To innovate—learn!
by Miki SaxonAs a boss (whether top or not) you need to accomplish many things within your organization (whether company or team) to be successful today. Near the top of the list are the need to
- motivate your people (without breaking the bank);
- strengthen and diversify your workforce (often without adding headcount); and
- innovate (products and processes; internally and externally; large and small)
Big order, but what I’m suggesting will certainly put you on the road.
Here’s the mantra to keep playing in your head
- Read it.
- Hear it.
- Do it.
- Teach it.
To implement it
- Build a useful library, both hard copy and online, that includes classic and current information and runs the gamut from traditional to controversial to off-the-wall. Encourage your people to read up on subjects that interest them, whether or not it directly applies to their expertise.
- Choose “topics of the month” based on both need and interest, then encourage free-wheeling discussions on a regular basis.
- Adapt scheduling so people can start to use, and become proficient in, the new skills about which they are reading and talking.
- Support brown-bag classes (better yet, buy lunch) in which they may teach both their new and original skills to others. Add cross-working assignments to ensure cross-training.
- Look inwards to be sure your MAP supports the program.
Remember, it’s a long-term fix, because there are no short-term fixes and the only thing you have that’s even close to a silver bullet is your MAP!
