HEADS UP!
Heads Up! A weekly update on the world of innovation brought to you by Innovation University, a best practices program of the Innovation Network.
Incorporationg Self Management Practices
During the recent Innovation University meeting, we visited Skaltek,
Inc., the American branch of the Swedish firm of the same name. Located
in Atlanta, GA, they are makers of packaging for electrical cable. One
of the things they say about themselves...
"We at Skaltek are in a process; How to face the future with confidence
and joy, in unlimited cooperation."
Skaltek is unique--from their glass walls to their immersion in metaphors,
and they have many intriguing practices that weave into their success,
beginning with their morning check-in process.
Early each morning, in every Skaltek facility in Sweden, Germany and
Atlanta, groups of 4-10 assemble around tables. At first, there may
be a little chatter, greetings for the day, and the expected commotion
of people shuffling in, moving chairs and settling in...but soon there
is a noticeable silence, a reflective silence, unconstrained and not
the least uncomfortable. When the clock ticks past 7:30 a.m., someone
launches the check-in routine.
In turn, Skaltek employees each rate their own performance of the previous
day (on a scale of 0-9), relate yesterday's successes and state their
vision for the new day--value they will add for their customers, the
team and themselves.
Every work day begins this way at Skaltek. Did we perceive it as done-by-rote
and routine? Yes, a little, but the philosophy and principles underlying
this ritual make it sound business practice:
* Dwell on successes for they will breed more.
* Create a natural forum for recognizing wins that individuals feel are important.
* Bring into focus, daily, intention to add real value.
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| Ruth Ann Hattori |
Join the Innovation University Fellowship Group
Call Ruth Ann Hattori at 303-604-1981 or e-mail andrea@thinksmart.com for more information.
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