Accessing Shared Resources
When someone shares a process with you, you get access to view it, use it as a reference, and (depending on your permissions) contribute to it. Shared processes appear in a dedicated section on your dashboard, making it easy to find documentation that’s relevant to your work.Processes shared with you appear in the “Shared Resources” widget on your Dashboard.
Finding Shared Resources
Understanding Your Access Level
When viewing a shared process, check your permission level to know what you can do:View
You can see and reference the process but can’t change or comment
Comment
You can see the process and add comments or suggestions
Edit
You can make changes to the process and its documentation
- At the top of the process view
- In the “Shared Resources” list
- In the process header or sidebar
Using Shared Processes as Reference
Most commonly, you’ll use shared processes as reference while doing your work:1
Open the Process
Navigate to the shared process from your “Shared Resources” widget or click a link.
2
Find Your Activity
Locate the activity you’re working on. Use:
- Table of contents
- Category navigation
- Search within the process
- Visual diagram to see the flow
3
Read the Instructions
Review the activity details:
- What needs to be done
- Your RACI role
- Step-by-step guide (if available)
- Forms or templates needed
4
Follow the Process
Complete your work according to the documented procedure.Keep the process open for reference as you work.
5
Check Off Completion
Some systems let you mark activities as complete (depending on your permission level and system features).
Adding Comments to Shared Processes
If you have Comment or Edit permission, you can add feedback:1
Navigate to What Needs Feedback
Find the activity, documentation section, or RACI assignment you want to comment on.
2
Click Add Comment
Look for a comment icon, “Add Comment” button, or comment field.Different systems place this in different locations (sidebar, inline, popup).
3
Write Your Comment
Be specific and constructive:
- Reference exactly what you’re commenting on
- Explain the issue or suggestion
- Propose a solution if possible
- Tag relevant people with @mentions
4
Post Your Comment
Click “Post,” “Submit,” or “Comment” to add your feedback.People with access to the process (especially those with Edit permission) will see your comment and can respond.
5
Follow Up
Check back for responses to your comment.Some systems notify you when someone replies.
Comment Best Practices
Be Specific
Point to exactly what needs attention. Don’t make vague comments.
Be Constructive
Frame feedback positively. Suggest improvements rather than just complaining.
Tag People
Use @mentions to notify the right people about your comment.
Include Context
Explain why something is an issue or how your suggestion helps.
Comment Examples
- Good Comments
- Poor Comments
“The email template link in Step 4 returns a 404 error. I found the updated template here: [link]. @Mike can you update the guide?”“In my experience, calling customers before sending the cancellation email (Step 2) reduces churn by about 30%. Should we add a phone call step before the email?”“Great documentation! One suggestion: can we add a screenshot in Step 6 showing where to find the Export button? New team members always ask about this.”“The RACI shows Sarah as Accountable, but she left the company last month. @TeamLead who should be the new owner?”
Editing Shared Processes
If you have Edit permission, you can make changes directly:Making Small Edits
1
Open Edit Mode
Click “Edit” or the edit icon for the section you want to change.
2
Make Your Changes
Update the content, activity, or assignment as needed.For small fixes (typos, broken links, minor clarifications), go ahead and edit.
3
Save Your Changes
Click “Save” to apply your edits.Changes are visible immediately to everyone with access.
4
Notify if Needed
For significant changes, notify the process owner or team via comment or message.
Making Large Changes
Collaborating Effectively
When working with shared processes as a team:Respect the Process Owner
Respect the Process Owner
The process owner is responsible for maintaining quality and consistency.Do:
- Check with them before major changes
- Support their decisions about structure
- Offer to help with updates
- Communicate about your edits
- Make sweeping changes without discussion
- Override their decisions repeatedly
- Delete their work without agreement
Communicate Your Edits
Communicate Your Edits
Let others know what you’re changing and why.For Edit permission holders:
- Add a comment explaining significant changes
- Notify the team via email or chat for major updates
- Document your reasoning
- Be open to feedback
Avoid Edit Conflicts
Avoid Edit Conflicts
When multiple people edit simultaneously, conflicts can occur.To avoid:
- Check who else is viewing/editing before starting
- Make your edits in one session, don’t leave it half-done
- Save frequently
- Communicate if you’re making extensive edits
Use Comments for Discussion
Use Comments for Discussion
Comments are great for discussion and questions.Good uses:
- Ask why something is done a certain way
- Propose improvements before implementing
- Point out issues you’re not sure how to fix
- Start conversations about process changes
Organizing Shared Processes
Keep your “Shared Resources” section organized:Bookmark Favorites
Star or favorite the processes you use most often for quick access
Create Folders
If your system supports it, organize shared processes into folders by function or frequency
Hide Unused
Archive or hide processes you no longer need but still have access to
Use Search
Don’t scroll endlessly. Use search to find what you need quickly
Notifications for Shared Processes
Manage your notifications to stay informed without being overwhelmed:- What You're Notified About
- Notification Settings
- Process-Specific Settings
Typically you receive notifications when:
- A new process is shared with you
- Someone comments on a process you have access to
- Someone replies to your comment
- Someone @mentions you
- Major changes are made to processes you use
- Your permission level changes
Requesting Access to Processes
If you need access to a process you can’t see:1
Find Out Who Owns It
Ask your team lead, manager, or colleagues who owns or maintains the process.
2
Request Access
Contact the process owner directly:
- Explain why you need access
- Specify what permission level you need (View, Comment, or Edit)
- Mention how you’ll use it
3
Wait for Approval
The owner will review your request and grant access if appropriate.You’ll receive a notification when access is granted.
Removing Yourself from Shared Processes
If you no longer need access to a shared process:1
Open the Process
Navigate to the shared process you want to leave.
2
Find Remove/Leave Option
Look for “Remove me,” “Leave,” or “Stop sharing with me” in the share settings or options menu.
3
Confirm Removal
Confirm that you want to remove yourself.The process disappears from your “Shared Resources” section.
Or just leave it: Many people keep shared processes even if they rarely use them. It doesn’t hurt to have access to processes you might need someday. Only remove yourself if it’s truly cluttering your workspace.
Tips for Success
Check Updates Regularly
Review shared processes periodically to stay current with changes
Contribute Actively
If you have Comment or Edit permission, don’t be shy about improving documentation
Ask Questions
Use comments to ask questions rather than interrupting teammates
Report Issues
If you find errors or outdated information, let the owner know via comment
Common Situations
I Can't Find a Process I Need
I Can't Find a Process I Need
Try:
- Search for it by name or keywords
- Check your “Shared Resources” widget
- Ask team members for a link
- Request access from the process owner
- Ask your manager if it exists
I Think the Process Is Outdated
I Think the Process Is Outdated
What to do:
- Add a comment noting what seems outdated
- Tag the process owner with @mention
- Suggest the updated information if you know it
- If you have Edit permission and you’re sure, update it yourself and notify the owner
I Disagree with How the Process Works
I Disagree with How the Process Works
What to do:
- Add a constructive comment explaining your concern
- Propose an alternative approach
- Tag relevant stakeholders
- Be open to discussion - there may be reasons for the current approach
- Don’t just change it if you have Edit permission; discuss first
The Process Doesn't Match How We Actually Work
The Process Doesn't Match How We Actually Work
What to do:
- Document how you actually do things in a comment
- Ask if the process needs updating or if you should change your approach
- Work with the process owner to align documentation with reality
- Remember: the goal is to document reality, not aspirations