Life and death of great ideas (Idea approval index)

(Originally posted 11/07 . Revised 8/10).

Many leaders talk about progress and change, but overlook simple yet potent indicators for creative action. One simple measure is the idea approval index (IAI).

To get this number simply ask one question:

How many approvals are needed for an employee to deliver on an idea to a customer?

Think it through carefully. In most organizations it's a high number. From committees, to boards, to review meetings, most successful companies create processes that...