Innovation &
Change INITIATIVES

Real change doesn’t happen by edict or by hoping it into existence. Organizational innovation happen through customized approaches to change. Some organizations seek innovation when facing a fundamental threat to their existence. Others use it to improve and become more responsive to customers.

We offer two basic options in our change and innovation practice. First, we can facilitate innovation processes. This option works best for one-time, specific needs. Second, we can work with you to build organizational capacity for innovation. The second option builds organizational skills to “own” innovation and change.

When we focus on building capacity, organizations experience a long-term shift in their fundamental way of doing work. They increase their tolerance for ambiguity. Serving customers becomes the first priority.

CHANGE SUPPORT PROCESS

We support organizations in bringing change and innovation through customized approaches. We collaborate with clients through four key phases of engagement:

MULTI-FACETED APPROACH TO INNOVATION

This model lays out the most common way we help organizations prepare for innovation. Together, we design a well-rounded approach to shift culture through a systemic, multifaceted process. It addresses conditions for innovation, building blocks for innovation, types of innovation, and a process for supporting innovation.

Multifaceted Approach to Innovation
Conditions for Innovation
Conditions for Innovation
Conditions for Innovation
When we begin working with a client, we use a readiness assessment to find the minimum of what the organization needs to “open the door” to innovation. We work together to find the best ways to shift the culture so that it meets the basic requirements for innovation.
Building Blocks for Innovation
Building Blocks for Innovation
Building Blocks for Innovation
Creating an innovative organization is more than coming up with ideas. We use a framework to promote innovation in the public sector through six building blocks: strategy, governance, culture, process, people, and ideas. 1

1 Modified version of framework from EY Canada, 2017.
Multifaceted Approach to Innovation
Types of Innovation
Types of Innovation
Types of Innovation
In developing ideas for innovation, we encourage our clients to gain an advantage by innovating more than products and services. In addition to innovative products, a robust innovation approach can include internal processes, policies, customer experience, and systems.
Process for Innovation
Process for Innovation
Process for Innovation
A problem-solving method that uses an empathy-centered design process to solve customers’ problems. Through repeated adjustment, it helps teams reframe problems, rethink assumptions, and create solutions that can be tested in rapid experiments.

TO DISCUSS POTENTIAL PROJECTS

Upcoming Training Events

Sign up for updates about future training opportunities and to receive other occasional resources from Githens & Associates.

    Sector(s) You're Associated With