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April 27, 2017
From Our Office
Continuous Improvement and Innovation
Was that recent
problem solving project continuous improvement, or was it innovation? How are
improvement and innovation different and related?
Continuous improvement (CI) is precisely
that: improving existing processes, functions, or services. Those of us who are
passionate about CI are constantly engaged in continuously improving things.
The starting point, or frame of reference,
is identifying that something is not working optimally with a current practice.
Then, we measure and make changes for a smoother and enhanced process or
experience. These improvements are often incremental changes or may be
substantial and incorporate new technologies or tools; but they start with an
existing function.
 Innovation means developing and introducing a new creation, like a new idea or invention. Innovation is significant, dynamic, and radically new. Innovation has been touted broadly in recent years to the point of overuse. The term is not used consistently. Certain business disciplines use innovation and improvement interchangeably, which has added to the confusion.
Improvement can fall within the larger context of innovation, but they are two separate things. In Jeffrey Phillips’ article Innovate On Purpose he explains, “A more comprehensive innovation definition will definitely include continuous improvement or "incremental" innovation, but expands to include radical or disruptive innovation which creates new and unexpected products, services, business models and other valuable outcomes. We need this definition because it's possible to conceive of great new products and services that aren't based on incremental improvements to existing products, but the continuous improvement definition treats these outcomes as if they were magic. They aren't, they are just the result of a more expansive definition and expectation for innovation.”
On your next project, ask yourself and your team, “Does this situation call for improvement or innovation?” Then, embrace the right tools and approach for your project.
Jennifer Hyser, Continuous Improvement Consultant, Department of Administration, Minnesota Office of Continuous Improvement
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Don't Miss
Sign up and learn time-tested CI methodologies and tools that will
help you to solve problems that improve work processes and service quality for
Minnesotans!
Our training courses are designed to provide you with the skills
you need and can easily put into action:
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The Introduction to CI training
will show you the basics of CI principles. The hands-on simulation
activity will help you recognize that no process is perfect and most of
them can be improved.
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The Problem Solving course
will help you recognize the root cause behind some of the work
challenges we face and offers useful strategies for identifying
solutions. Much of our work now requires us to show results.
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The Process Improvement Measurement course helps you select
measures that matter and how to use data to guide and sustain the
improvements you make.
Each course provides knowledge and skills you can take back to
your workplace to implement change. Our trainings will help you achieve real
results, save resources and staff time, while improving the quality of State
services.
Next month we are
offering an Introduction to Continuous Improvement training on May 10th
and May 24th and a Problem Solving Training on May 19th.
For more information
and to register for these or other upcoming trainings visit our registration page!
Minnesota state agencies: Can’t make one of
our scheduled trainings? We’ll come to
you! You provide the space, date, and
at least 20 participants, and we’ll bring the training!
We want to connect with YOU!
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