diff --git a/qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/model/metadata/processes/QProcessMetaData.java b/qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/model/metadata/processes/QProcessMetaData.java
index 41985ae1..d4867166 100644
--- a/qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/model/metadata/processes/QProcessMetaData.java
+++ b/qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/model/metadata/processes/QProcessMetaData.java
@@ -320,11 +320,22 @@ public class QProcessMetaData implements QAppChildMetaData, MetaDataWithPermissi
 
 
    /*******************************************************************************
-    ** Setter for stepList
+    ** Setter for stepList - note - calling this method ALSO overwrites the steps map!
     **
     *******************************************************************************/
    public void setStepList(List<QStepMetaData> stepList)
    {
+      if(stepList == null)
+      {
+         this.stepList = null;
+         this.steps = null;
+      }
+      else
+      {
+         this.stepList = new ArrayList<>();
+         this.steps = new HashMap<>();
+      }
+
       withStepList(stepList);
    }