Some quick thoughts on continuous improvement experiments.

Opportunities

• Encourage divergence when “casting the net” for opportunities
• Resist imposing one “version” of what better (and progress) looks like
• Map the relationships between opportunities. Be skeptical of “one root cause”
• Converge on common needs, salience, momentum, and potential impact
• Consider doing nothing. “What would happen here if we did nothing?”

Experiments

• Don’t abuse the word “experiment” to force and manipulate
• Engage the whole team in brainstorming possible experiments
• Create a backlog of experiments, but limit experiments in progress
• Engage the whole team in the design of the experiment
• Remind people that “failed” experiments offer valuable learning
• Openly discuss how the experiment might backfire. Invite skepticism
• Discuss steps to guarantee the experiment is safe
• Timebox the experiment. Use constraints creatively
• Make sure you’ll have access to data…don’t hoard data
• Commit to reflect on the experiment regularly
• Amplify what works. Dampen what doesn’t
• Rinse and repeat