Skulltistics 101: Process Mapping (Clarity in Action)
Virgo season is about clarity, precision, and making sense of the details—and there’s no better productivity tool to spotlight than Process Mapping. This tool takes the messy tangle of how things get done and turns it into a clean, visual pathway. It’s my favorite because it’s also one of my specialties: I’ve used process maps to untangle chaos, uncover bottlenecks, and help teams (and individuals) finally see what’s really going on.
A Little History
Process mapping originated in the early 20th century from industrial engineers Frank and Lillian Gilbreth. It became a cornerstone in Lean and Six Sigma methodology, offering a way to reduce waste, streamline workflows, and boost efficiency.
Process mapping does this by highlighting illuminates the inputs, activities, hand-offs, decisions, and outputs to any process to help:
Identify bottlenecks at critical hand-off points.
Identify unnecessary or duplicate activities.
Suggest activities that may be automated to enhance efficiency.
Suggest activities that may be combined.
Suggest activities that should be modified or re-located.
You may also hear the term Value-Stream mapping; it’s similar to the original process map, but adds an additional step. After the map is complete, the team, owner, or stakeholders identify whether each step adds or doesn’t add value to the process and the end result. Think of these value tags as an additional way to prioritize steps, not too unlike the Benefit-Effort Matrix.
Steps of Process Mapping
While it’s recommended you collaborate with someone trained in real-time mapping; the basic steps to complete a process map are:
Choose your process – Pick a task, project, or routine that feels overwhelming or inefficient.
Define start and end points – What kicks it off? What’s the final outcome?
List every step – Write out each action, decision, or checkpoint along the way.
Map it visually – Use shapes, arrows, or digital tools (like Freeform, Miro, or even sticky notes).
Identify gaps and redundancies – Look for bottlenecks, overlaps, or steps that don’t add value.
Refine and improve – Test out tweaks to make the process smoother.
Professional & Personal Uses
Workplace: Streamline onboarding, client handoffs, project or process workflows, or daily operations.
Personal life: Map your morning routine, a fitness plan, or even meal planning—it helps you see what’s actually eating your time and energy.
Process Mapping & the Elements
Earth Signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn): Love the structure because it turns abstract goals into step-by-step clarity.
Air Signs (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius): See how ideas connect and flow - perfect for brainstorming and collaboration.
Water Signs (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces): Adds emotional intelligence while also recognizing where burnout or frustration lives in the process.
Fire Signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius): Bring the action - once the map (and the way forward) is clear, they’ll push momentum forward.
Process Mapping is Virgo energy at its best: sharp, organized, and transformational. Time and time again, my clients are stunned at how being able to “see” how something works helps them pinpoint what needs to change to reach their goals.