Sachin K Patil

Innovation needs not only good ideas but company’s ability to encourage, develop and implement new ideas. Thomas Edison says “It is more about perspiration than inspiration” If a company calls for new ideas from employees, the issue will not be getting new ideas. The issue will be responding to them. Lean Six Sigma develops the organization’s ability to not just identify, but develop and implement new ideas. Without that, the ideas will be just lying in backlog. Lean Six Sigma offers: · A way for managers to facilitate the process of creative problem solving that brings heretofore disconnected parts of the organization together. · Visualization of the current reality and a compelling, innovative picture of the future around which people can rally. · Setting stretch goals that pull functions together and challenges the status quo. · Prioritization of resources and development of talent to more effectively execute cross-functional, cross-country projects. Ultimately, if an organization wants its people to be more creative and productive, give them the tools and resources to simplify their day-to-day working practices. If a company needs improvements in productivity, challenge employees to pool, develop and implement the ideas that are there waiting to be harvested. Above all, a business should create an environment in which people are encouraged and comfortable to experiment and take risks. That is what leads to breakthroughs required for continuous innovation.