Micro experiments to change systems
In every organisation, there's a reservoir of passion and innovative ideas simmering just beneath the surface. Yet, when asked why these ideas aren't being realised, many revert to a laundry list of obstacles: a lack of time, resources, support, alignment, permission, or money. It's a familiar tale of ambition stifled by practical concerns.
The solution to this is refreshingly simple. Mark Twain wisely said, "The secret of getting ahead is getting started." And the key to getting started? Breaking down daunting tasks into bite-sized, manageable step that you can easily take — a method we like to call micro-experimentation.
Micro-experiments are precisely what they sound like: small-scale tests crafted to validate assumptions, drive targeted change, and create appetite for more. They're substantial enough to glean insights yet small enough to execute swiftly- without the need for extensive permissions, resources or undue risk. By mitigating risk and cost, micro-experiments enable organisations to explore what works without betting the farm on unproven concepts.
Consider Shelly, who recognized the frustration brewing within health and safety committees across her organisation. Tasked with mundane administrative duties, committee members felt trapped in a cycle of inaction. Shelly believed that empowering individuals with greater autonomy could inject new life into these committees while benefiting the organisation as a whole. This belief was easily translated into a micro-experiment—an experiment that eventually grew to revolutionise the organisation's approach to committee management.
The beauty of doing micro-experiments lies in their iterative nature. By conducting several experiments in rapid succession, each with slight variations, organisations can continuously learn and adapt. For those eager to demonstrate progress in transforming systems, each micro-experiment becomes a narrative of challenging the status quo and, if successful, creating new value. With a community engaged in transparent, parallel learning, progress accelerates by embracing the mantra of "keeping it small."
Micro-experiments aren't about reinventing the wheel; they're about nudging the needle forward one small step at a time. By harnessing the collective passion and ingenuity within organisations, these experiments empower individuals to transform ideas into tangible outcomes. So, the next time you find yourself wrestling with a seemingly insurmountable challenge, remember the power of the micro-experiment—it might just be the key to unlocking your organisation's full potential.
What challenge do you experience in your organisation, and how might you break it down into something small enough to test without risk or permission, but would be big enough to learn from?
