Innovation at workplace

Waqas Anjum
Session objectives

This presentation aims to introduce

learners to Innovation within a work team
environment. 
 Purpose of this presentation

In this session, we will learn about:

What is Innovation & Problem Solving
Opportunities for
Innovation/Improvement
What procedures/Methods &
ideas can we use to help
Innovation (Brainstorming etc..)
Rules/Guidelines of working in a
Team
How does feedback help Innovation
(Internal & External)
Plan Do Check Act (PDCA)
Evaluating Innovative Solutions/Ideas
 What is Innovation/Problem
Solving?

Innovation & Problem Solving go hand in hand:

 Innovation can be described as a new idea,
device or process. It is the application of better
solutions that meet new requirements & needs
in a more effective or efficient way. Innovative
ideas are new original solutions to know
problems & can change the way we do
business.
Examples might include: Microsoft “Windows”
changed modern computers forever.
 What is Innovation?
Innovation in a Team Involves:
 The combination of Brainstorming/Reflection
 Outlining your Problem
 A Defined Leader & Team Ground rules (how
you will work together)
 Clear communication & Delegation of different
tasks & responsibilities
 Trust & Accountability (Treating everyone fairly,
including their ideas & contributions)
 A good mix of backgrounds & different skill
levels.
 Procedures to Help Innovate
Innovation in a Team Involves:
 Reflection (when, where, why & how)
 Brainstorming (Putting ideas & discussion down on paper)
 No idea is wrong or at least worthy of investigation.
 Clear communication & Delegation of different tasks &
responsibilities
 Trust & Accountability (Treating everyone fairly, including their
ideas & contributions)
 A good mix of backgrounds & different skill levels (everyone can
bring a different/fresh viewpoint)
 Rules/Guideline & Feedback

Innovation in a Team Involves:

 Following Company Policy & Procedure
(Internal)
 Following Legislation & Ethical
procedures (External)
 A Defined Leader & Team Ground rules
(how you will work together)
 What does the market say!
 Trial & Error (Continuous Improvement)
 Why Innovations can Fail
Some common reasons for Ideas that fail are:
 Not being flexible/adaptable to change
 Insufficient planning/Brainstorming & New
ideas
 Risks are not managed (Locus of Control)
 Issues are not managed (Failure to see
problems/feedback)
 Poor communication (Internal & External)
 Lack of commitment and responsibility by
stakeholders/team members
 Why is Feedback Important

Feedback & Innovation:

 Feedback is there all the time (Internal & External)
 Feedback is just another word for “Effective Listening”
(Relevant to all stakeholders)
 Feedback is an opportunity to Motivate
(Leaders/Managers can use this to motivate &
encourage & is part of constructive communication) 
 Feedback is essential to performance (Used to measure
output)
 Feedback is a way to keep learning (Continuous
Improvement)
 What is PDCA?
Plan – Do – Check – Act:

Continuous Improvement: Is an ongoing effort to improve

products, services or processes.
How can you ensure Innovative
Success? 

 Collaborating with Staff & Stakeholders

 Analyzing the market & changing needs
 Listening to feedback (Internal/External)
 Building a trusted environment for ideas to be
shared/grow
 Willing to take Calculated Risks
 Continuous Improvement