Feb
Innovation is free – 3
Innovation Management System
Do we need an IMS then? Yes of course. IM policy should clarify that the organization believes that every one can innovate in spite of their level in the organization and the needed support will be provided. The key to innovation is in asking the right questions rather than finding the correct answers. Some times the question is the innovation! Finding an answer to that question may follow a systematic approach. The IM procedures should give guidance on how to ask the right questions and find the viable answer through pilots. In the end, if the innovation can be deployed across the organization, it should be done through the QMS. There should be links to IM assets and mentors who can ignite minds to innovate.
QMS and quality control cannot be compromised for Organizational Innovation Deployment. Otherwise newer products and services may meet changes to requirement but will stop meeting the original requirements.
Training and orientation
Training for innovation can be more effective through mentoring and coaching. Books, videos etc from powerful speakers can kindle the fire. Don’t forget MS Academy workshops.
Audits?
Audits typically focus on non-conformances and defects and so do not apply to innovation management. Instead as part of coaching, the coach can ask the innovator to create a self review checklist and use that to measure progress. How about measurement and rewards and so on?
Measurement
Measurement should be tied to ROI and not just the number of innovations.
Culture and environment
Transparency, flexibility, empowerment, collaboration with customer and management focus are all necessary to set up a repeatable, sustainable innovation culture in the organization.
Rewards and recognition
Since we have defined OI as linked to business results, it automatically follows that the innovators, the coaches as well as the innovation evangelists should be rewarded and recognized. But all of them are in the game for the satisfaction of seeing their idea put to work and not for the money. So don’t worry – Innovation will remain free.
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