Despite years of rhetoric, there is still a lot of uncertainty about the best practices for improvement. The problem is the lack of practical implementation tools. For example, TQM, Six Sigma and ISO 9000 certification standards are very process oriented. There is a place for a simpler approach, especially in the case of small businesses, service firms, many mid-sized businesses and non-profits. We offer a repeatable model process with a simplified set of guidelines, coupled with a broad backbone of "best practice templates" with which to implement "team planning and learning in action." It enables you to implement a learning and improvement process by regularly assessing all of your practices and plans. Systematic innovative management (SIM) provides a road map to disciplined innovation by focusing on the best practices needed to harness creativity and innovation.

There are two parts to creating a climate of learning. The first is to understand HOW to focus and accelerate or broaden and enhance your learning and improvement initiatives. The second is to figure out WHER...