Choosing the Right Method

You need to think about different project types

Innovations come in all shapes and sizes. You need to think about different project types -- is it a simple incremental development or a radical breakthrough? Does it need people from different areas to cooperate and share knowledge or can it be done by a small group from the same department? Is it a joint venture with other organizations? Is it something completely different from anything you have done before and needs different ways of working?

You can think about a number of options on a spectrum of project structures to help deal with each of these:

• In-line structures: carried out within the established group or by an individual as part of their work.
• Matrix Structures: where people work some time on the project and the rest on their mainstream job.
• Dedicated project team: people work full tie on the project and have dedicated resources.
• Breakthrough or "skunk works" team: the team operates independently of the main organization.

ACTION POINT: Consider all of the options for carrying out innovations.