Most ASTDps members have surely heard of Six-Sigma methodology, the set of tools and strategies for process improvement. Some of you may have been involved in a fashion -- as participants in process improvement teams or perhaps even as consultants -- with Six Sigma or its close cousin, the set of Lean methods. The methodology was put together at Motorola, and became standard for transnational corporations after GE's Jack Welch adopted Six Sigma in 1995 as the cornerstone of the company's highly successful business strategy. Six Sigma has helped large companies save billions of dollars over the years.
At the regular Chapter meeting this coming Wednesday (note the day change) you have the opportunity to hear from one of the co-creators of Six Sigma, Praveen Gupta. But he won't be talking much about Six Sigma. Because Praveen is not the kind of man who rests on his laurels.
Instead, Praveen is using his deep knowledge of process improvement, statistical analysis, and human psychology to tackle the central organizational learning challenge of our time, how to make innovation more predictable and routine. This is embodied in his TEDOC methodology (Target, Explore, Develop, Optimize, and Commercialize), which describes a repeatable process for significantly improving the odds of successful innovation. He will be describing the methodology at the Chapter meeting as a prelude to the full sixteen-hour course, where those who signup for the course will learn the process in depth, which is being offered as a co-venture by ASTDps and Invista Performance Solutions in a virtual format this summer.
The TEDOC course has become an increasingly popular and very quick-to-fill class when offered through the Illinois Institute of Technology, where Praveen founded and leads the Center for Innovation Science and Applications. The Institute charges $1995 for the TEDOC course. The pilot version of the virtual course is being offered to ASTDps members and Invista clients for only $595.
National ASTD recognizes that innovation is emerging as a critical issue for the WLP profession. In its 2011 white paper, "Learning To Innovate", National declared in no uncertain terms "The learning function can and should play a critical role in developing and sustaining the innovative culture that is the hallmark of successful organizations." Here is your opportunity to learn first-hand about the most effective innovation process methodology currently available and get in line for the TEDOC course at a bargain rate, never to be repeated.
I look forward to seeing you Wednesday.
