Business Innovation ? the Value of Work Processes

Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation whilst innovation can be defined as idea selection, development and commercialisation.

There are other useful definitions in this field, for example, creativity can be defined as consisting of a number of ideas, a number of diverse ideas and a number of novel ideas.

There are distinct processes that enhance problem identification and idea generation and, similarly, distinct processes that enhance idea selection, development and commercialisation. Whilst there is no sure fire route to commercial success, these processes improve the probability that good ideas will be generated and selected and that investment in developing and commercialising those ideas will not be wasted.

the Value of Work Processes

One of the most valuable tools for maximising idea generation is the use of work processes. Work processes align activity with the goal and produce far more output than randomness or simply "do your best." Some examples include:

a) Incremental goals. These produce much more output than would be produced otherwise. Two pages a day produces a words-on-paper first draft screenplay in two months. Consider this against the fact that innumerable people have half finished screenplays waiting for attention under their beds.

b) Project Timelines. Project timelines allow individuals to gauge the whole goal, gauge the incremental requirements leading to the goal, appraise the effort and competencies that will be needed and set themselves up psychologically for the coming task. They are akin to business plans. Efficiency and output are increased when a business plan is followed, as opposed to using it merely as a means to raise finance.

These and other topics are covered in depth in the MBA dissertation on Managing Creativity & Innovation, which can be purchased (along with a Creativity and Innovation DIY Audit, Good Idea Generator Software and Power Point Presentation) from http://www.managing-creativity.com/

You can also receive a regular, free newsletter by entering your email address at this site.

You are free to reproduce this article as long as no changes are made and the author's name and site URL are retained.

Kal Bishop MBA, is a management consultant based in London, UK. He has consulted in the visual media and software industries and for clients such as Toshiba and Transport for London. He has led Improv, creativity and innovation workshops, exhibited artwork in San Francisco, Los Angeles and London and written a number of screenplays. He is a passionate traveller. He can be reached on http://www.managing-creativity.com/

---

How to Build Your Business and Still Take Time Off

We all know people who are like human dynamos. They... Read More

Communicating In Chaotic Environments

How do you, or would you, communicate in a chaotic... Read More

When Change Is In the Wind...Heads Up!

In these days of takeovers and mergers, of downsizings and... Read More

Six Honest Business Friends - They Guide Me In All I Do

SIX "HONEST BUSINESS FRIENDS" - THEY GUIDE ME IN ALL... Read More

What Every Manager Should Know About How to Overcome Boredom

Do you find yourself easily becoming bored or tired at... Read More

Seven Cs to Avoid Procedure Writing Errors

You do your best to make sure your organization is... Read More

Test Your Hiring IQ

The purpose of any selection process is to discriminate (albeit... Read More

Your Company Without Training - Any Questions?

Okay, be honest!Are you guilty of sticking in a few... Read More

How To Get 10% More Work Out Of Your Employees

It is getting harder to run a business for a... Read More

What Every Manager Should Know About How to Become An Effective Executive

In his book, The Effective Executive, Peter Drucker pointed out... Read More

Managing People - Why Is It So Difficult?

Managing, supervising, being a team leader is the hardest job... Read More

What to do When You receive a Bad Check

As a small business operator, personal checks may be one... Read More

The ?Better Product? fallacy

Another fallacy ingrained in the minds of most marketing managers... Read More

Crisis Management Essentials - How to Communicate Effectively During a Crisis, Emergency or Disaster

A crisis, emergency or disaster can happen at anytime and... Read More

Proven Secrets to Keeping Your People and Increasing Your Profits

Why are people changing jobs so quickly these days?Here are... Read More

ISO 9001 the Process Approach to Quality Assurance

What is the Process Approach to Quality?The ISO 9001 2000... Read More

Uncovering the Secrets to Effective Performance Management

In many ways there are no secrets to implementing effective... Read More

Better Manager Skills - How to Learn

When you first take over a department, expectations are usually... Read More

How to Use an HR Consultant

Bringing an HR consultant into your organisation can often be... Read More

Employee Surveys: a Strategic Tool for Positive Change

Do you want to measure your workers' level of satisfaction?... Read More

Take This Into Consideration Before You Write Your Mission Statement

What principles should a company keep in mind when developing... Read More

Taking on Six Sigma Programs - Guidelines for In-House and Outsourcing Decisions

Based on a wild guess by a close associate of... Read More

I Am Not A Number - Why Too Many Change Projects Fail

Many of you will recognise this quote from the 1960s... Read More

Problem-Solving Success Tip: Measure the Right Things.

Measure the right things. It's not enough just to measure-you... Read More

The High Cost of Employee Turnover Among Project Managers

Imagine for a moment this scenario from a frustrated Senior... Read More

Challenge of ERP Implementation: Q and A with Rick Maurer

Question: ERPs seem like a good idea, so why is... Read More

Motor Vehicle Policy and Your Employee Risks

It is becoming more common for employers to require employees... Read More

Rapport - How to Build it with Your Team

I've often heard managers say - "My door is always... Read More

Competion or Cooperation?

It has been said, there is no better way to... Read More

The Importance of Business Goals

For you to get where you want to go, there... Read More

Innovation Management ? some ideas are better than others

Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation... Read More

Creativity and Innovation Management: Goal Setting

Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation... Read More

Turnaround or Terminate? How to Deal with Problem Employees

Do you struggle with a "problem" employee? If so, join... Read More