How can groups engage in "development and expressing novel ideas that are likely to be useful"?

When one is engaged in processes aiming to improve the quality of the production or even new production in an organization the need for innovative ideas is imperative. One of the main challenges is how one can form groups aiming to be innovative. When the group is formed the challenge is how one manages such a group. The question is then: How can groups engage in "development and expressing novel ideas that are likely to be useful"?

The first item to look at is the creative process itself. Secondly to realize the inefficiencies and the paradoxes especially in terms of robustness versus possible change. Finally to realize the obstacles from a management point of view.

Creative process

Forming an innovative-group one has to think of the creative process in it self. One way of thinking is to imagine a five-step model.

1. Identifying the innovation opportunity.
2. Gathering relevant knowledge and experience.
3. Encouraging divergent thinking.
4. Pausing to reflect.
5. Selecting one innovation from the many options considered.

One has then to select key members who one think has in-depth knowledge in one or more of the five stages in the model.

The creative process is inefficient and riddled with paradoxes.

When one has a list of persons one would consider for membership of the creative group, one has to realize and determine whether one wants a robust option. A group that in all likelihood will propose a solution that is not far from the present situation and that will build on technology/knowledge that is in practical use, the composition of the group should reflect this option. On the other hand if one wishes radical changes and is willing to take the chance of failure the members of the group should represent different characters.

 

Robust	Change
Expertise	Freshness
Cohesiveness	Creative tensions
Structure	Freedom
Professionalism	Play.

 

The obstacles that confront managers of groups

Having a list of participants that one believes are capable to handle the issue a final selection has to be made based on the individuals ability to cope with:

1. Time pressure
2. Unproductive group norms and behaviors
3. Interpersonal conflict

 

The seminar

We will be pleased to give you more information on the ACT two-day seminar on innovative group works. Please go to Contact information page .

 

Literature

Leonard D, Swap W. When Sparks Fly: Igniting Creativity in Groups. Boston: Harvard Business School Press, 1999.

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