Working Smarter: Questions that Promote Innovative Thinking

Let's focus on the concept of innovation.  Quite simply, innovation is figuring out ways to be more effective, or improve, whatever we do.  It is the same thing as working smarter.  

Most people think that innovation only applies to manufacturing and production businesses. That's a mistake.  There can be innovation in Sales, Product Development, Marketing, Production, Management, Accounting—you name it.  Every place in a company can be more smart, effective, and innovative. 

Innovation results in better quality, more consistent output, improved speed, less waste, or any combination of these. Innovators get promoted and get bigger raises because they add permanent value to the company.

Here is a list of questions that help encourage innovative thinking.  Don't view the questions as a to-do list, where all questions need to be answered.  Rather, think of them as a menu, where you can pick one or two, and spend some time with them:

What could I do that I’m currently not doing to help others? Can I take on some responsibility to help one of my teammates do better?

Is there some part of the process that I could do that would make things better for the next person in line?  Think of yourself as being part of a running relay team, where you run the leg of your race and then hand off the baton to the next runner.  Sometimes there are great improvements that can be made just by improving the handoff. 

Is there a technology or tool that would help me do my job better?  Or, closely related—is there a jig or workflow adjustment that would make things work better?

Can I reduce my steps or motions and accomplish the same thing?

Are my efforts focused on important priorities, or am I constantly getting sidetracked?  Or a closely related one…Am I sidetracking someone else?

Can I organize my day better in order to be more efficient?  Could I change the sequence of my regular tasks?

Is there something I could quit doing that isn’t needed anymore? This is a good one.  Sometimes we do things out of habit for an old reason that doesn’t apply any more.  Quitting an old process can be a positive innovation. (If we do some consulting together, remind me to tell you the story of the newlywed wife who insisted on cutting a roast in half before she cooked it.)

Do our customers have an unmet need that we could fulfill?

Can my work be simplified so fewer hands have to touch it?

Am I worrying too much about this or that?  Or am I causing someone else to worry too much? 

Give these questions some thought.  And remember, an innovative improvement doesn't have to be big.  Every little thing helps, and oftentimes, the first small step helps you and others identify the next steps.  Before long, you are an INNOVATION MANIAC!