Free your mind
Free your mind
Clarke E., Potter P.R.Supply Management, 11 May 2006, Vol. 11 No. 10, Start page: 30, No of pages: 2
Purpose – To explore the techniques propounded by Professor Richard Potter, former head of business processes at defence technology and security firm QinetiQ, for encouraging innovative thinking. Design/methodology/approach– Relates Potter’s approach to nurturing employee innovation, and hi belief that the first step is to encourage people to understand how innovation and creativity occur through networking, conservations and interactions. Reiterates Potter’s insistence, however, that being tempted to schedule regular networking meetings, organize innovation sessions or set targets will more likely result in the stagnation of creativity, and that great ideas happen when you are at home, or relaxed. Considers Potter’s view that innovation is about fostering the right attitude, that bringing a new idea to fruition takes time and requires that managers nurture the process, that employees need to believe in the company they work for, and that in the case of the procurement sector it is essential to recognize that people in isolation are not creative,and that it is the links between people that create an environment of innovation. Originality/value – Offers a perspective on the development of an innovative culture, centred on informality and inter-personal connections.ISSN: 1362-2021Reference: 35AN566
Keywords: Creative thinking, Innovation, Procurement
