Innovations that make the world go around
By Jens Galatius
Talking about innovations it is a natural reaction to focus on the great innovations such as:
- The steam engine
- The water closet,
- Beogram 4000, (the one with the tangential arm)
- The paper clip
- The personal computer,
- Tetrapack,
- The Ipod,
- The mobile phone,
- And many other great innovations..
However, just a few of us actually have the capability, the chance, or the luck - to be around when great innovations happens. Great innovations have great impact – maybe that’s why we recognise them as great innovations?
I will however risk my neck arguing that it is all the small innovations that make the world turn, day after day. It is all the small innovations we do every day such as;
- Sorting the incoming mail in a new way that increases the productivity in the case handling with 30%.
- Changing the oil velocity in a hydraulic arm to make the movement less abrupt.
- Developing a standard operation procedure (SOP) in customer service to ensure a consistent quality, and a baseline for improvement.
- Creating a new strategy that conquers new market segments
- Etc.
That matters to most of us. These types of small innovations that many organisation does every day, improve the lives of the employees, saves valuable resources, creates new markets, protects the environment and boosts the profits have a tendency of going on below the radar screen watching for innovations.
However there seems to be a endless potential for small innovatons, if you nurture them by a stimulating environment, create a structure for recognising and develop the potentials of your employees and celebrating the inventors.
What are you doing in your organisation?
Share your thoughts and practise we us.