We empower employees to solve problems at the lowest level.

"We work less and think more at R&D. Here our structured environment allows all employees to participate in idea generation sessions.

We have 30 facilitators trained in innovation skills. These facilitators are in all departments. They facilitate meetings, do CPS (Creative Problem Solving) sessions, develop teams, brainstorming sessions, and develop vision/mission statements." — R.J. Reynolds R&D

"Once an idea is approved, the employee is given the resources and the support to develop the project and see it through implementation.

Marshall has an `open-door' policy that encourages access to all levels of management. We try to look beyond traditional methods. We encourage everyone to develop new concepts." — Marshall Industries

"We have set the stage for innovation to happen by developing the right social architecture, based on a three-part model of education, environment and application."

"We help leaders throughout the federal government to reinvent - to idealise what could be and go after it with a passion. We get these leaders out of the work environment, help them build a non-threatening atmosphere which is informal and fun, guide them to see the compelling reasons for change, expose them to what's happening in the outside world, use various creative tools and exercises to drive right-brain, non-evaluative thinking. We withhold judgment and remind ourselves everything is possible."

We also do the following:

Here are a few things that seem to be common in all the comments:

How do these companies recognise and reward innovation?

Recognition & Rewards

"The Ford CIRS programme teams are given points based on dollar savings that can be used to purchase a variety of items from golf clubs to a Caribbean cruise.

A RAPIDS team improvement process based on the G.E Workout model rewards teams for innovative ideas that help reduce the bureaucratic drag in our procedures". — Ford (MP&L) Team Learning Center

"Employees get merit pay for innovative ideas. Every employee is also eligible for an incentive plan based on the achievement of the Washoe Health Systems strategic goals." — Washoe Health System

"We recognise and reward innovation through awards, recognition events, through publications and thank you notes.

— Robert A. Brook Award for Excellence in Administration. — Smithsonian Institution (Office of Finance and Administration)

"There are three categories:

"We give upfront support by offering grants so people can attend outside conferences that allow them to bring unique ideas and insights back to our client base." — Idea Verse, Lucent Technologies

"All innovations and breakthrough ideas are recognised throughout the organisation in company communications." — Marshall Industries

"We have a Rewards and Recognition Committee; based on the analysis of this committee we do the following:

"Our rewards are not monetary. We recognise innovation and acknowledge each others' creativity by complementing each other on Learning Day."

— Federal Quality Consulting Group

"We present an Annual President's Awards. We also have annual performance reviews." — YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago

"Trained Brains and staff members receive prizes when the team achieves above average innovation effectiveness scores from clients. When a new record score is achieved they are presented with jackets, in addition there are other special prizes. Those who have exhibited outstanding performance are honoured in Brain Brew Saloon." — Richard Saunders International's Eureka! Ranch

It is interesting to see that there is no single prescription for recognition and rewards. Much depends on leadership, the business context, and the cultural climate of the company.

(The writer is a creative consultant and Partner, IDEAS-RS.)

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