Steps to Implement Innovation

1.  Ideas

The first step is to generate ideas for any improvement. Idea Generation campaigns should be done periodically to generate ideas. The goal is to generate as many ideas as possible – "No idea is a bad idea" should be the credo.

2. Training

All employees should undergo training on Innovation and Creativity – a prerequisite for Kaizen. The training content should include several examples of innovative ideas/practices and also have a section on Innovation implementation methodology like the PDCA cycle. The objective of the training is to stimulate the minds of employees and make them think out of the box.

3.  Execution

The ideas generated are reviewed and feasible ideas are developed into projects. The reviewing of ideas would be done by Kaizen Mentors. The Mentors are a part of the Leadership group that has undergone training in Kaizen Methodology/Mentoring, The Mentors have a deep understanding of the processes. The ideas selected should be converted to projects and it should be implemented, preferably, within 2 months. Ideally, we should encourage whoever the team member who shared the idea to execute it through implementation. This not only ensures passion in executing the project but it will also be a source of satisfaction for the contributing team member.

4. Impact Measurement and Sustenance

The completed projects should be reviewed to assess the impact made on Key Performance Metrics post completion of the project. The improvements gained through projects should be sustained for at least 3 months post completion of the project. Only after 3 months of sustained benefits should the project be declared successful.

5. Rewards & Recognition (R&R)

An R&R program guarantees that the initiative is implemented to its best. The program could be a monetary reward to the team member who implemented the idea and/or it could provide additional credits during the annual performance appraisal.

6. Celebration

The initiative is best implemented with a celebration of successfully implemented projects. This could simply mean a presentation of the project to the CxOs periodically. A pat on the back from the CxOs is the best non-monetary award a team member could receive.

7.   Sponsorship from the CxO

The innovation initiative is best implemented with a strong message broadcast by the Head of the Organization. The message should include the objective (Customer delight, Business growth, Competitive differentiator, Team work etc.), details of how the program will be rolled out and lastly R&R for the contributing team members. The business head could use all forums (Newsletters, Town hall Meetings etc.) to reinforce the importance of the initiative to the organization. The message should also share statistics of the ideas generated and implemented during a period (quarterly, semi-annually or annually).

8.  Leveraging Technology

The program is best implemented by leveraging technology. The tech solution, such as the IdeaWorks module in PW, would enable easy implementation of the program. The platform, while easing the management, would also provide transparency and enable Mentors & Coordinators to track progress of each idea through implementation.

IdeaWorks