Idea management has become a key success factor for companies, because sustainable innovation today depends more than ever on the ability to systematically collect, evaluate and implement creative ideas[2]. KIROI Step 6 in particular shows how targeted methods and structured approaches can leverage new potential from day-to-day work and thus enable real improvements. Those who deal with this topic often ask themselves the question: How do we manage to develop honest improvements in our teams and departments and how do we prevent ideas from fizzling out? In the following, you will gain a practical insight into idea management and learn how to turn step 6 of the KIROI approach into the driving force behind the further development of your department.
Why idea management is indispensable for your department
Our clients often report that mere innovation workshops and brainstorming sessions are exciting, but rarely make sustainable changes visible. The classic suggestion scheme is usually no longer sufficient in today's dynamic working environment because it is often too rigid and lacks flexibility[6]. Idea management provides a remedy here by involving all employees, collecting ideas from various levels and developing them in a targeted manner[2]. The focus is on practical solutions that have an immediate impact in your own department.
An example from production: through moderated workshops, teams were able to reduce material waste by 15% and stabilise product quality at the same time[2]. In the HR department, the open sharing of experiences led to intelligent duty rosters that reduce stress and increase motivation. Customer service also shows how targeted idea management streamlines processes. Teams there rely on digital storytelling to visualise the most common customer concerns and develop solutions together.
Practical example: From proposal to concrete improvement
Idea management according to KIROI Step 6 focuses on the wishes, concerns and experiences of employees. The aim is to jointly develop practical solutions that make a real difference to everyday working life. To this end, the approach encourages cooperation, but also the personal responsibility of the teams.
A logistics service provider, for example, analysed transport route processes as a team and saved up to 20% in time and costs through practical improvements[2]. In the IT department of a medium-sized company, an automated ticket system was developed that drastically reduced recurring enquiries. This allowed the team to focus more on strategic innovations. In field service, the optimisation of visit intervals helped to reduce travel times and noticeably increase customer satisfaction.
Process and methodology: How idea management works in detail
Idea management is successful when it does not happen by chance, but is clearly structured. This includes the targeted identification of topics that arise from day-to-day work. Ideas often arise from direct dialogue within the team, from observations or through targeted enquiries with customers and partners.
The first step is to collect ideas - whether in short meetings, digital tools or through targeted methods such as design thinking[1]. The participants then jointly evaluate and prioritise which proposals promise the greatest potential. It is crucial that all points of view are heard and that the process is open to change. The development of the selected ideas often includes prototypes, tests or the adaptation of work processes. Only in the final step is it a matter of practical implementation - and regularly reviewing success.
In software development, for example, regular community sessions are used to design new features. In retail, digital tools help to pool ideas from all branches transparently and implement them quickly. In manufacturing, on the other hand, teams benefit from moderated innovation workshops that specifically network expert knowledge from different departments[6].
How to start idea management in your department
The first steps are often crucial for idea management to work sustainably. This includes clear communication, simple structures and a culture that values openness and error-friendliness. A kick-off workshop in which the department's most important topics are collected and prioritised is a proven way to get started.
Invite all colleagues to contribute their observations and use agile methods to achieve initial results quickly. Focus on short feedback loops and avoid long decision-making processes. Transparency is the be-all and end-all - everyone involved should be able to understand what is happening with their suggestions at all times.
In practice, the teams show that idea management comes to life when it is integrated into everyday working life. Small, recurring formats such as daily stand-ups or weekly review meetings are suitable for this. Digital tools help to maintain an overview and to contribute ideas even when working from home or at other locations.
But sometimes even the best team reaches its limits. This is where targeted support is needed, for example through transruption coaching. As a neutral partner, we support teams in identifying blockages, gaining new perspectives and deriving specific measures. This makes it possible to establish idea management as an integral part of collaboration and initiate real change.
Idea management with KIROI Step 6: Practical examples from different areas
The strength of KIROI Step 6 lies in the fact that it enables teams to initiate change independently. The following three examples show how this approach has been successfully implemented in different departments.
In production, a targeted analysis of material flows led to a significant reduction in surpluses and defects. This gave the team more time for creative processes and measurably improved quality.
The HR department used open exchange formats to jointly optimise duty rosters. The result: less overtime, better planning and a noticeable increase in motivation.
A third example is the customer service teams, who regularly exchange information. Together, they identify recurring stumbling blocks, develop targeted solutions and implement them without lengthy coordination.
The focus is always on cooperation and the conviction that every idea counts - even if it seems small. This creates trust and promotes the willingness to actively participate in idea management.
Other methods that can also help are the continuous improvement process (CIP), innovation challenges or digital platforms for dialogue between departments[5][9]. This brings idea management to life and everyone can make their contribution.
What the active integration of idea management can achieve
Those who really put ideas management into practice benefit from many advantages: Processes become more efficient, employees feel valued and the innovative strength of the department increases. This is particularly evident in projects in which teams work specifically on their challenges.
In HR, regular dialogue often leads to solutions for known problems for which there were previously no suitable approaches. In production, small improvements to machines or work processes lead to noticeable efficiency gains. In customer service, targeted training and new tools help to process enquiries faster and better.
However, sustainable idea management requires time, openness and the courage to try things out. It is not enough to hold a brainstorming session once a year. Real change comes about when ideas are continuously collected, evaluated and integrated into everyday working life.
This is where transruptions coaching can provide support by accompanying teams, teaching methods and professionalising processes. As a result, idea management does not become an add-on programme, but the DNA of your team.
My analysis
Idea management is much more than a collection of well-intentioned suggestions. It is a structured process that adds value to creativity, removes obstacles and strengthens teams. If you want sustainable innovation, you should therefore focus on systematic idea management - and KIROI Step 6 offers a clearly structured framework that has proven itself in practice.
The best solutions are often created where everyone is involved and where ideas can flow. It is important that the focus is not only on major innovations, but also on small, everyday improvements. If you use idea management as a driver for the development of your department, you create a culture in which change is desired and success is measurable.
With transruptions coaching, getting started with the topic is noticeably easier because we provide targeted support for teams, teach methods and bring in experience from other companies. In this way, your team benefits from the best possible support - and you provide new impetus that has a lasting effect.
Further links from the text above:
What is idea management? Definition, procedures and proven ...[1]
Mastering idea management: KIROI step 6 for your department[2]
What is Idea Management 2025: Introduction + Definition[3]
Rethinking ideas management: KIROI step 7 in the company[6]
Idea management: definition, methods, advantages + examples[5]
Idea management - Wikipedia[7]
For more information and if you have any questions, please contact Contact us or read more blog posts on the topic Artificial intelligence here.
Deutsch 
English (UK)