Champions Fax Archive

This final fax from the ideas found in the new book entitled Innovation: Breakthrough Thinking at 3M, Dupont, GE, Pfizer and Rubbermaid concerns the concept of a mental map for leaders to use to conceptualize their organization's systematic commitment to innovation..

As we have explained in previous faxes, innovation is more than a good idea. Innovation is the discipline of bringing the best ideas to the marketplace where they can have impact.

Part of the process is having a culture of innovation. The 3M company has a policy of allowing each employee 15% of their time to work on projects of their own choosing. This has led to many innovative products. As the leaders of that company state: It's not about timecards, but encouraging the curious. At each review period the manager asks: "What have you been working on?" Sometimes a great product emerges, sometimes not.

Rosabeth Moss Kanter proposed the following pyramid:

Using this map a leader can evaluate whether there are enough projects at all levels. The higher the level, the greater the investment.

Evaluation Questions: Do you have projects at all levels? Are you encouraging enough projects at the bottom? How are you allocating your "innovation investments"?

Innovation: Breakthrough Thinking at 3M, Dupont, GE, Pfizer and Rubbermaid is from Harper Business, copyright 1998. Available at bookstores or online through www.Amazon.com.

The Gathering of Church Champions: Innovative Tools and New Networks to Serve the Emerging Church –Registration is open for this event. Cost is $175 prior to November 1; $225 November 1 and after. Call 888.LEADNET to register. Space is limited for this event.