CHPL staff shared in surveys a desire to have a more active role in large projects. They also wanted their talents to be better utilized in their work. There was a consensus that a previous process for soliciting staff ideas was unfocused, inefficient and ineffective As a result, many staff were disengaged and disillusioned. A group of staff from a variety of agencies and levels within CHPL was assembled to tackle this issue and find improved ways to leverage staff talents and engage them more actively in CHPL’s work.

Ideas were solicited via an online form and vetted to pick finalists to pitch their idea to a live panel, like Shark Tank, but in a supportive environment. Providing an online form and an in-person event solved the issue of a lack of transparency. By focusing the call for ideas on a CHPL Strategic Priority, staff had a solid foundation to brainstorm ideas. Greenlighted groups were matched with a leader to guide them through implementation, offering an opportunity for personal growth that wasn’t in the old process.

The first Big Idea round netted 21 applications, which were narrowed down to 6 finalists to present at Pitch Day. Based on Pitch Day, 3 groups had their project greenlighted. Senior leaders visited each group member with balloons and flowers to congratulate staff on their achievement. These projects are currently in process and a second round of the Big Idea call for applications recently closed, with a similar level of participation. Both applicants and Pitch Day panelists gave positive reviews about the experience.