More Workplace Innovation

Thought I'd post these leadership interview answers and ideas from a class project, they may help you as they've helped me!

What does the term innovation mean to you?
"To improve on our already set procedures without negatively impacting our projected goals."
"Innovation means to me exactly what it is...new ideas and creating new methods or procedures...Being able to think outside the box to make it work."
"Creation of a new direction or solution that is not obvious to a casual observer; or even an informed one. Innovation can take a product or process to a new level of productivity or value; in a manner not readily seen."
"Innovation means the implementation of new ideas, preferably towards best practices and world class results. It means new products, services, and processes. It means new technologies and skills, constant training, and open-mindedness."
"The term innovation to me would mean to think of a process to improve our customer service above and beyond what we usually do. Or to think of a process to improve anything we do. For example, the way we have to prep products. If there is a faster or better way to do something, then I would want to implement this process."
"To me innovation means to be forward thinking. To constantly work and think out-of-the-box. To be creative."


What are the expectations of your employees regarding being "innovative on the job?"
"To do whatever it takes to keep the client happy and loyal. That means coming up with intellegent ways of setting us apart from our competition. To me it's a simple matter of having pride in what you do."
"Associates are encouraged to be innovative--we want them to think of new ideas, better processes. We also have let our associates know that if they do have a new idea, that they can bring it to their leader at any step of the engineering and we will help them. We will ask the questions that they may not have thought of. And we also let them know that just because an idea doesn't work, doesn't mean it wasn't a good idea. Not all good ideas can work in every instance."
"Always looking for ways to improve productivity or profitability beyond what is readily apparent. Bringing forth solutions in a partnership pattern."
"Mixed. The company has made great strides innovating its products for its customers, but has delayed when innovating for its employees, especially when it comes to new programs, practices, and technologies. Throughout my career it has become more and more apparent that a company will be reluctant to change unless there is a great business need to innovate. A company's leadership can be prompted to make rapid and massive change if the top or bottom line will be impacted."
"Putting up cheat sheets. Cleaning an hour before we close so that they can just put all the products in the cooler and then leave. Finding the fastest way to clean and slice."
" expect my employees to be innovative on the job by constantly looking around them and being aware of what others are doing. They should be doing more than just what is their normal duties. They should be thinking about how they can do their job better and faster, so they in turn can learn more and develop themselves. I also expect them to be involved in their communities and to network with their peers in other organizations so they know if we should change things within our company. They should be involved in professional organizations so they can meet and learn to network with others. Employees should question processes and procedures and ask "why". The worst thing a company can do is to continue doing things the same way just 'because we always do it that way'."


What are some examples of innovative ideas that you have seen people in your company have generated?
"One example is learning from an error that was made. A customer left something behind, it cost us extra time to turn around to ensure it's return. Now we've implemented a checklist before the employee arrives and leaves."
"We have implemented several system enhancements due to good ideas from our associates."
"Creation of a new regulatory framework allowing us to establish a new set of government approved operating and design criteria that would allow us to lower our fuel costs 10%."
"The company has launched new products that have revolutionized our industry. My team has implemented world class tools to improve processes and management of employees' compensation."
"I have seen people take manual processes and put them on computer software to speed up the tasks and to eliminate manual errors. I have had employees combine tasks and eliminate tasks to free up their time to learn more and cross-train in other areas. I am always impressed when employees learn the job they were hired for and then show a willingness to help others and learn other work so they can promote themselves within the company."