 INNOVATIVE
SOLUTIONS
“Human Values and Integrity are fairly universal Values,”
mused David. “But how does Innovative Solutions become
a Value? What does it mean to us and how is it important?”
He asked.
Naren answered. “To us it means that we consistently
offer novel and superior solutions to satisfy the needs
of the Customer.”
It is important because:
- It is the only differentiator and competitive
advantage.
- It challenges and energises the thinking energy
of the people and brings out the best in everybody.
- It helps to stimulate thinking and ensures “Applying
Thought”.
- It helps to focus on solutions, speedy executions
and building a superior organisation.
- Only an evolving, happening organisation will
be able to stand out and last.
Iqbal was about to ask something. “I know,” said Naren
with a smile. “What are the positive and negative behaviours,
right?” He asked. Iqbal nodded. Naren continued, “Let
me describe them.”
Positive Behaviours:
- Build an environment that encourages creativity
and ideas. Remain open to ideas and develop receptivity.
Keeping in mind that there are always multiple approaches
to any issue.
- Research the needs of the Customer. Look for new
opportunities by focusing on Customer needs constantly.
- Encourage people to think, create value for the
Customer and not just be critical of solutions given
by others. Encourage everyone to express themselves
and give due notice to anything that is done right.
Recognise and reward new ideas.
- Focus on solutions.
- Focus on executions.
- Satisfy needs of the Customer using ‘out of box’
thinking.
- Make products more convenient to use.
- Offer distinct benefits to Customer.
- Question the ‘status quo’. Question everything
that you think is not right.
- Encourage ‘trying and failing’ rather than not
trying at all. Innovation does not always mean ‘Eureka’.
- Constantly think of alternatives and different
ways of doing things.
Negative behaviours that do not exhibit Innovative
Solutions:
- Follow the beaten track. Repeating things and
also ways of doing them.
- Taking things for granted.
- Being afraid to question if one thinks that something
is not right.
- Doing things in a complex way, which is not easy
to communicate, comprehend or implement.
- Communicating to ‘impress’ rather than ‘express’
with clarity and simplicity.
- Being too egoistic to accept views opposed to
one’s own.
- Deciding without data gathering or analysis.
- Basing judgments on superficial thinking and
subjective views.
 Paradoxes:
- Geeta asked. “But innovating may lead to initial
escalations in cost. Should we try something new
or focus on keeping costs low instead?”
“It is not necessary that every Innovation necessarily
result in an initial cost increase,” Naren replied.
“In fact, many Innovations today are aimed at bringing
down costs at the earliest. However, if a certain
Innovation needs initial investment, which can result
in long term savings or gains, we should go ahead
after adequate analysis of the risks involved.”
- David wondered aloud. “Some people believe
in change for its own sake. Like simply adding features
to satisfy our own creative instincts.”
Naren smiled and replied. “Not just creativity,
but applied creativity is Innovation. Innovation
does not mean changing anything and everything.
Only when the change satisfies a real Customer need
does it deliver Value. Preserve the best and re-invent
the rest should be our motto.”
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