Vision of how a suggestion scheme should work

• Scheme is recognised as a mechanism for stimulating and capturing innovation.
• Associates can raise suggestions via email, voice mail, fax, and post, using a dedicated point of contact. All suggestions are publicised unless offensive.
• New ideas can be seen and commented on by all associates and peer group review is part of the idea appraisal process.
• All ideas get a response within one working week, and next day response is the target.
• Intranet system enables ideas to be immediately broadcast – not filtered.
• Complex or poorly expressed ideas are discussed with the idea submitter so that the required meaning is captured. Its clearly understood that some of the best and most innovative ideas may not be easily understood and submitters may lack confidence to promote their ideas if they expect a negative response.
• The acknowledgement of successful ideas give associates confidence and courage to try new and more radical ideas.
• The scheme is felt to be owned by associates, and stimulates development of innovation, associates confidence and challenges existing ways of working.
• Ideas come from customers and suppliers, and the company is recognised as innovative.
• Number of ideas submitted is measure of performance for individuals and teams.
• The originators of implemented ideas are listed in an intranet "roll of honour" (with photographs). Associates see the visible effect of their ideas, which have their ownership acknowledged, realised and publicised.
• There is a monthly award for the best idea – evaluation criteria include: how innovative, cost saving/profit making, culture changing.
• Associates feel valued for their ideas and a culture where ideas are informally shared and explored develops.
• The management of the suggestion scheme demonstrates its commitment to change and growth by regularly reviewing and improving its operation.
• The suggestion scheme is part of associate induction.
• Associates share in the profits or savings from an idea, but this is seen as a bonus to the fun and satisfaction of seeing their ideas become real.

Brian Hunt, September 2000