Assessing the Current State

Part 2 explored some of the key reasons established organizations fail to bring new and innovative ideas to life, why programs and initiatives created to address those pitfalls break down, and how a lean entrepreneurship approach addresses both. With that as a backdrop we can begin to discuss the steps required to design and develop your own initiative. The first of those is a lightweight assessment. This chapter provides a guide to performing a simple, lightweight assessment of your organization’s needs to ensure you build the right initiative. It discusses the importance of performing an objective assessment of the organization’s current state, its needs, and the expectations of stakeholders and influencers before you decide upon an initial design. It also describes the many benefits of an assessment beyond its obvious value, discusses the steps necessary to conduct one, and provides tips regarding what to do and where to find the information that will help you design a successful initiative. In addition, it includes guidance on preparing an interview guide – including sample questions – so you can perform your own primary research.