Lateral thinking is the secret to the success of many great businessmen, and, believes Atterbury deputy CEO, Armond Boshoff, it is a skill that can be nurtured. That is the idea behind the innovative new Attnovate programme which Atterbury is introducing under Armond’s leadership.
Tell us more about Attnovate – what inspired it, and what exactly is it?
In simple terms, Attnovate is a platform whereby employees of Atterbury can submit creative and innovative ideas, with the aim of benefiting the group. I believe there are a lot of innovative ideas within the company and we want to harness these. Hence our slogan “The power within”. Attnovate creates the platform, and incentive, for Atterbury staff to submit and implement their ideas, with the support of the group.
When is this kicking off, or has it already? How will it be initiated?
A soft launch was done at our group “bosberaad” recently. The official month in which the competition will go live is April 2018.
What is the ideal outcome that you are hoping for with Attnovate?
As I mentioned above, we wish to harness the innovative ideas within the group, in order to improve our businesses. Furthermore, we hope to stimulate the creative thinking of our employees, regardless of whether they generate winning ideas.
How are people being incentivised to participate? Are there prizes for the best idea?
There is actually no prize for the best idea, but rather any and all ideas chosen by the panel and implemented will receive prizes. The monetary amount associated to winning ideas is linked directly to the economic value creation the innovation generates.
Great ideas start at the top… do you personally have an idea outside of your area of expertise that you would like explored?
What I am interested is to find innovative ideas for construction that makes it cheaper and faster, while maintaining quality. Also, ideas for reducing operating expenses within our assets. I am sure that there are great ideas already in the making around these themes, and can’t wait to see what the team comes up with!
Is there a deadline by which you hope to receive ideas?
No, this will be an ongoing process. As any idea is submitted, it will be considered and evaluated immediately, and the appropriate action taken to take a winning idea further. Watch this space!
