Author Rekha Shetty’s recent book presents case studies and gives you tips on how to be innovative. She talks to Divya Kaushik about her observations
It is said that some are born innovators and some get inspired and learn how to innovate and make best use of the available resources. Seems like Dr Rekha Shetty believes in the latter one and says that there are a number of stories to inspire you and to change the world around you. To think out-of-the-box you need a vision and adopt a different perspective. The author of books like The Happiness Quotient defines innovation as a managerial term and says that it is coming up with ideas that help the company break the barriers, make better use of resources and come up with more cost-effective measures. In her recently released book Innovation Secrets of Indian CEOs (Westland) she has given examples of Indian CEOs and got their stories to help you learn more about innovation. She says, “I looked at the work of over 50 CEOs, contacted them all and after talking them, added my own experience and observation and came out with what can be called as a guide for the managers.”
She adds, “Indian CEOs have their own brand of innovation — a people oriented, low cost innovation on the run. This kind of innovation is born out of thrift and a desire to squeeze the last ounce of value from limited resources. It is jugaad in spirit and respect for all forms of potential wealth. This book gives you a glimpse into this unique form of innovation, which is not yet patented. But it should be. This book brings 50 CEOs and their methods into the limelight and shares a ring side view of Indian innovation and the principles that govern it.” She says that story of Infosys’ Gopalkrishnan set a benchmark in her book.
Shetty consults with some of the region’s major corporates on long term innovation initiatives that involve everyone from doorman to Chairman. She has a lifelong commitment to innovation and creativity in management. She is consulted in successful turnarounds, new product development and increasing profitability. Her long term innovation initiative, using 47 thinking tools, helps in a steep increase in profits, reduction in costs, while improving customer satisfaction and employee participation levels. She is an innovation consultant to blue chip companies. “Innovation is a complex topic to deal with. Though I have an experience and I have been writing books on the subject, I faced challenges in suggesting things that would work in a modern-day environment. On one hand companies expect employees to come up with the best but shelling resources is a big hurdle in the companies. There should be more workshops encouraging employees to think better and come up with solutions that keep in mind the standing of the company. There is no fixed formula of innovation and nobody can give you a fixed pattern of innovation, it is something that comes only with time and is based on your own experiences,” states the author.