Achievement is Contagious

Some time back I had talked about “Innovation at work place”. There could be various techniques to bring about Innovation. Over a period of time, we have seen that excellence is achieved in certain pockets. It is a challenge to internalize the process and keep on getting continuous improvement through best practices across the company.

It goes without saying that the focus of the CEO or the Operating Manager and his push behind the program is the key to success. Jack Welch talked about giving focus on key programs at each and every touch point with the stake holders. He used to pick up few initiatives – may be two or three. He would work around those; create a reward system, align Performance Management and measurement systems to the initiatives. He would talk about them in each and every meeting. It takes time before it is accepted across. It takes time to change a habit or to develop a new one.

I would like to talk about another simple step which might help bringing internalization quickly and create wonders. I ran a scheme where each individual had to give one suggestion per week to change the customer’s life. The implementation faced a lot of resistance. Some teams got excited and did very well. Others thought it was not possible to give one suggestion per person per week; this was too demanding for them. Naturally, these teams lagged behind. Pushing did not yield much result. Changing the mindset was necessary.

We came with a simple idea of getting all project managers together and discuss their performance on the program. We identified some metrics like (percentage) % compliance, number of suggestions accepted by customers and the value created through these suggestions. We also put a scheme “REWARD for the BEST” wherein we rewarded the best contributor of the month and also the best team. . Criteria’s were defined. All managers voted for the best individual suggestion and team after the brief presentation. This scheme was participative and it empowered every one. They felt a sense of involvement. The situation started changing fast and in a very short time compliance started improving.

The initiative is resulting in more and more suggestions to improve customer business and to create more value. We are on a journey to change the game. Although, the initiative is simple in nature; it brings about Communication, participation, empowerment, transparency and recognition. It goes without saying that a team’s achievement is contagious: It creates positive vibe in the organization. It is a game changing event.

It will not be out of place to mention “Achievement is contagious”. Create an environment which brings various elements like communication, participation, empowerment, transparency and recognition together. Success will follow.