Strategy as Innovation, Strategy for Innovation ◾ 11
tangible and directed. At the same time, we came to recognize the need for the pri-
ority focus to be on the cultural transformation associated with adopting VMPS as
our management method. We knew that there was only so much change in culture,
language, and process improvement that the organization could effectively absorb.”
It was important, therefore, to adapt a supportive integration of lean and innova-
tion, rather than having the two initiatives appear as competing concepts. Leaders
of the innovation strategic planning effort, therefore, wanted someone who could
help define innovation for Virginia Mason, and help think through how to connect
seamlessly with the nascent Virginia Mason Production ...