Check that headline out twice? It is not a misprint. We do have some really innovative folks at work for us in the government. Over the past three years, two U.S. government organizations have won the coveted George Land World Class Innovator Award.
The George Land Award is the only award honoring organizational innovation. Judging is done by a panel of recognized leaders in organizational change and innovation associated with the Innovation Network. The 1999 winner was the Federal Quality Consulting Group (FQCG), which joins the other government winner from 1997 - Finance & Administration -Smithsonian Institution. These government groups are among a host of other innovators receiving the Land Award including: Clorox, Dell, Lucent, and Ford.

What Makes Them Unique

The FQCG rose as a phoenix from the ashes of what was the Federal Quality Institute. Not taking no for an answer, a hearty band of visionaries marched forth to follow their mission. The answer to their quest did not come quickly or easily. For six months, staffers worked from their home and cars until a temporary space was located.
The solution to the dilemma is part and parcel of why this group was recognized for their innovation. The newly formed FQCG operates as a entrepreneurial government enterprise providing services on a competitive and cost-reimbursable basis. If they can’t cover their costs - they no longer exist.

Volunteers

The small, determined FQCG is compromised of ten senior staffers who have worked in diverse agencies and bring a plethora of experience. Each member of the group made a personal choice to follow their passion for making government work better.

No Hierarchy

Operating as a self-directed team - the group finds their roles constantly evolving. The FQCG reports to its customers and is not focused on title or org charts.

Being the Change They Seek

The group practices new tools and techniques on each other before introducing them to their clients. Meeting every six months to strategically think about the future has allowed the group to remain flexible and to react to growth opportunities.

Value Driven

The FQCG believe their values reflect the soul of their organization.
Their values are:
-Make a difference
-Business Success
-Magic of Teamwork
-Self-Worth
-Thirst for Knowledge

Group/Individual Learning

Learning is an important part of the organization. Time is spent individually and collectively learning, and a day each month is set aside for group learning.

Innovation Commonalities

Understanding and effectively utilizing innovation is a common link between FQCG and the F&A - Smithsonian. Both are associated with the government, but with very different charges. Yet, the values, ideals and philosophies of the two groups are closely aligned.
Looking at these two groups it is easy to see that business as usual is anything but. They both:
-want to do more than satisfy their customers, their goal is:
-delight them
-are accountable for their actions
-are learning focused
-understand the power of teamwork
The ideologies and actions that have worked to make both these organizations innovative leaders within the government are similar to those found in the private sector. Innovation is available to us all and thankfully these two groups recognized its power and promise.

For more information: contact Cynthia Carlisle, Chief Creative Spirit of Innovation Space, editor of MindPlay at 512-302-4123 or e-mail: inspace1@aol.com