Observe, Hypothesize, and Experiment

Contractors would run much better including improved field productivity if they applied the simple lesson we all learned around middle-school science class:

D. Brown Management Profile Picture
D. Brown Management
January 21, 2019 1 minute read
Share
Quote: Stop debating and start experimenting. Because if you don't run experiments you can't learn. Adam Grant from Power Moves.

The Scientific Method:  

  1. Make an observation
      
  2. Ask questions about the observation and gather information

  3. Form a hypothesis about what created the outcome and make predictions about the future state based on the hypothesis

  4. Test the hypothesis in an experiment that can be reproduced

  5. Analyze the data from the experiments that either validates or invalidates the hypothesis

  6. Reproduce the experiment until there are no discrepancies between observed results and theory

Experiments are hard to run in complex environments like a construction company.  That does not mean that you should not attempt to make the best observation, hypothesis, and experiments you can for a given situation.  

Adam Grant talks with the CEO of Goldman Sachs in the book Power Moves about experimentation in what works best for recruiting and retention. 

Reasons to Run
Successfully leading in the long-term requires going beyond managing to outcomes. You must dive deeply into the underlying activities, habits, behaviors, and ultimately, to the motivations that lead to those outcomes.
Related Article
Succession Fact #3: Trust Between Parties
Succession Fact #3: No exit strategy or deal structure will work without trust between all major stakeholder groups. Whether it is a large and complex project or a business ownership transition, there will never be a “perfect” set of documents or plan.
Related Article
Incentive Compensation for Contractors - Prerequisites
From Stephen Covey’s top selling book, “Seven Habits for Highly Effective People,” Habit #2 is to “Start With The End in Mind.” This principle applies to organizations in general and incentive programs in particular.
Related Article