Bright Ideas – Sometimes From Unlikely Sources

By Rick Boxx

Suggestion boxes at companies are being replaced by online idea-submission systems, according to the Wall Street Journal, a respected business periodical. These systems not only receive ideas for changes and new initiatives, but also allow employees the opportunity to comment and vote on suggestions from other staff members.

PricewaterhouseCoopers launched an idea-management website that generated 3,300 new ideas. Although the consulting firm has implemented only 140 of those ideas to date, the ones they did put into use have saved the company hundreds of thousands of dollars.

The irony is that too often executives call upon outsiders to evaluate business practices, systems and a variety of other factors that affect revenues and expenses, but fail to consider the insiders that could have the greatest insight. Employees usually know company products and processes better than consultants, since they work with them every day, yet many organizations never ask their staffs for ideas.

Years ago, manufacturers implemented “quality circles,” through which the employees most affected by production decisions would have input into actions taken how to buy viagra in canada and what conclusions were reached. In many cases employee advisory groups contributed significantly to greater efficiency and economy.

It might not be necessary to create quality circles for your organization, but some purposeful way of soliciting and responding to staff input on important organizational and management strategies could pay great dividends. There is a saying that sometimes it is hard to distinguish the forest from the trees, but it might be wise to periodically consult with those that are most familiar with the “trees.”

The Bible has much to say about this approach to business:

Do not be too proud to consult with others. Some executives seem to take the attitude that since they are in leadership positions, they should be expected to have all the answers. There is no rule that says that, and wise leaders encourage staff people to offer their perspectives. Proverbs 12:15 teaches, “The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice.”

Be receptive to views from a variety of reliable sources. There are many ways of soliciting valued counsel regarding buy cialis business plans and key decisions, ranging from idea-submission systems to employee and team meetings. By taking full advantage of people and ideas available, the likelihood of success is multiplied. “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed” (Proverbs 15:22).