The final word... or is it not possible in Innovation
In every project there is someone who
has a final word on things... Be it quality, technical, decisions or timeline.
It could either be experts from their domains or the CDM-Program Manager or
Pdev for timeline. In a larger scheme of things it’s a necessary setup to
ensure that in case of a conflict or disagreement we have someone to go to and
people follow the direction.
However
in Innovation it is not possible to have a “final word” Why so? Read On…
Innovation by definition is an art
which needs freedom of expression and flexibility to fail. The beauty of
innovation lies in building up on an idea which might be rejected in the first
place. So have a gate-keeper of sorts who has the “final word” would be
counter-productive.
Both in Ideation and the
Implementation phase, the teams need a free hand to decide and implement their
vision. However, we cannot let the program go hay-wire, we need someone to
assist, advice and accentuate the final goal of the activity. We need someone
who would not emphasize authority but would get the work done.
These is where Agile along with
innovation helps. The Product Owner like position in Agile is needed to drive
Innovation projects. While people approach Product Owner for vision and
conflicts. Product Owner ensures that the team stays on the right track with
end user-experience always in mind.
The Agile approach and Product Owner
with a vision can do wonders in achieving. The Innovation teams would not feel
the pressure of regular release; at the same time the end goal is never out of
sight. It is our responsibility as the Program Sponsor to ensure that the team
gets the freedom they need and the Product Owner is equally empowered.
So
what approach do you employ when you want to implement an ideated product? Let
us know too…
~~ Sanjay Ishwarlal Upadhyay
