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Encouraging innovation
R. Sridhar
The premier firms of the world encourage innovation by rewarding those who
come up with good ideas in various ways.
WE looked at how innovative companies defined innovation. We also examined
the barriers to innovation as they saw it.
All these companies had a point of view on innovation as part of their
vision/mission. They had clear ideas on their innovation goals. (What
should innovation achieve for us?) The tough thing is about putting all
these into practice. How do we encourage innovation? It is here that we
can learn a lot from companies that are innovative.
Encouraging Innovation
"We have a two full-day creativity session patterned after Eureka.
The Director of Imagineering has developed an in-house Imagineering
Institute which deals with programme development, team building, and
problem-solving." � Federal Quality Consulting Group
"We do the following to increase creative potential: "The Team Learning Center
featured an intensified Team Innovation programme � a four-day seminar
that defined the environment, skills, and leadership traits necessary to
encourage innovation. A Team Creativity Center is being developed to
further encourage innovation." � Ford (MP&L) Team Learning Center
"We at Washoe provide ongoing education about our innovation goals and
objectives. The staff are given time to participate in innovation projects
through PQI (Perpetual Quality Improvement) teams. We reward and recognise
all PQI team participation as well as other innovative efforts, projects
and ideas." � Washoe Health System
"We encourage innovation in the following ways:
Through support and empowerment of cross-functional teams
Facilitators are trained in innovation techniques and tools are made
available to provide guidance
State the value of innovation
Hold innovative problem-solving sessions
Creativity and innovation training
We empower employees to solve problems at the lowest level.
We talk about it
We recognise innovation through the use of awards
Publication � Quality Notes.
Celebrate success
Suggestion programmes � Smithsonian Institution
"We work less and think more at R&D. Here our structured environment
allows all employees to participate in idea generation sessions.
We have 30 facilitators trained in innovation skills. These facilitators
are in all departments. They facilitate meetings, do CPS (Creative Problem
Solving) sessions, develop teams, brainstorming sessions, and develop
vision/mission statements." � R.J. Reynolds R&D
"Once an idea is approved, the employee is given the resources and the
support to develop the project and see it through implementation.
Marshall has an `open-door' policy that encourages access to all levels of
management. We try to look beyond traditional methods. We encourage
everyone to develop new concepts." � Marshall Industries
"We have set the stage for innovation to happen by developing the right
social architecture, based on a three-part model of education, environment
and application."
"We help leaders throughout the federal government to reinvent - to
idealise what could be and go after it with a passion. We get these
leaders out of the work environment, help them build a non-threatening
atmosphere which is informal and fun, guide them to see the compelling
reasons for change, expose them to what's happening in the outside world,
use various creative tools and exercises to drive right-brain,
non-evaluative thinking. We withhold judgment and remind ourselves
everything is possible."
We also do the following:
invest in information resources.
Once - a-month Learning Day
Learning Plan
Semi-annual strategic planning retreat
Monthly business meetings � The Clorox Company, Research & Development
Here are a few things that seem to be common in all the comments:
Creating the right, supportive climate
Training � help people acquire the skills, tools and techniques to think
differently
Developing facilitation skills for managers
Recognition and rewards
How do these companies recognise and reward innovation?
Recognition & Rewards
"The Ford CIRS programme teams are given points based on dollar savings
that can be used to purchase a variety of items from golf clubs to a
Caribbean cruise.
A RAPIDS team improvement process based on the G.E Workout model rewards
teams for innovative ideas that help reduce the bureaucratic drag in our
procedures". � Ford (MP&L) Team Learning Center
"Employees get merit pay for innovative ideas. Every employee is also
eligible for an incentive plan based on the achievement of the Washoe
Health Systems strategic goals." � Washoe Health System
"We recognise and reward innovation through awards, recognition events,
through publications and thank you notes.
Recognition ceremonies
Newsletters
Cash and pride
Time-off awards
Visits by assistant secretaries
� Robert A. Brook Award for Excellence in Administration. � Smithsonian
Institution (Office of Finance and Administration)
"There are three categories:
Rewards from peers � peer recognition
Rewards from R&D management � R&D management recognition
Rewards from corporate management � corporate recognition � R. J. Reynolds
Research & Development
"We give upfront support by offering grants so people can attend outside
conferences that allow them to bring unique ideas and insights back to our
client base." � Idea Verse, Lucent Technologies
"All innovations and breakthrough ideas are recognised throughout the
organisation in company communications." � Marshall Industries
"We have a Rewards and Recognition Committee; based on the analysis of
this committee we do the following:
Give recognition to innovative ideas
Give everyone a fair chance to participate in programmes
Rewards are timely, specific and personal � The Clorox Company, Research &
Development
"Our rewards are not monetary. We recognise innovation and acknowledge
each others' creativity by complementing each other on Learning Day."
� Federal Quality Consulting Group
"We present an Annual President's Awards. We also have annual performance
reviews." � YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago
"Trained Brains and staff members receive prizes when the team achieves
above average innovation effectiveness scores from clients. When a new
record score is achieved they are presented with jackets, in addition
there are other special prizes. Those who have exhibited outstanding
performance are honoured in Brain Brew Saloon." � Richard Saunders
International's Eureka! Ranch
It is interesting to see that there is no single prescription for
recognition and rewards. Much depends on leadership, the business context,
and the cultural climate of the company.
(The writer is a creative consultant and Partner,
IDEASRS.)
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