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Oct 01 2011
September Meeting Recap: Innovation and "The Checklist"
Melissa Mickelsen, CBA, Geneva Rock Products, Inc.
Dale Z. Darling, Director of Sales at KSL Broadcast and Digital, spoke about Innovation and "The Checklist" at the September ICEL Meeting. Dale began by stating that change is inevitable and that to find success, we must embrace and even enjoy change. Innovation is a necessity in today's world. Dale noted that Dr. Clayton Christensen suggested that good companies fail because they become too comfortable and don't innovate to stay current and relevant. So how do we become innovators? Dale recommended that we take inspiration from past innovators, people who have found success by embracing change. He also suggested that we evaluate our current practices. We should try to determine why we do things certain ways, and if those reasons still stand up in the current environment. We should ask ourselves why we don't do things differently and how we could do things differently. We should evaluate possible benefits to changing our practices or even developing new practices. Dale stated that innovation is the key to progression and ultimately success.


Dale also shared an overview of the book The Checklist Manifesto by Atul Gawande. The author suggests that there are three types of problems: simple, complicated and complex. Checklists can help us solve both simple and complicated problems. Checklists can also help change and mold our companies' cultures. To develop checklists, all parties must agree that the steps included are correct. As these checklists are then established, companies gain buy in from all parties, and everyone begins to work toward common goals. Dale noted that checklists should be minimal, but they must be explicit. Checklists that are established in organizations must also be mandatory and easily accessible by all employees.


Dale noted that he has experienced success in establishing checklists in his department at KSL. Checklists have also been a tool in developing stronger relationships between departments. Checklists can be one of many tools to help us welcome innovation and change both in our companies and in the business environment.