John Cutler’s Post

Experiment WITH not ON... Over the years, I have encountered many process experiments. Sometimes I have been the one doing the experimenting, but most of the time I (and my team) have been the test subject. Someone (often more senior, but not always) has an idea about how to improve something. And that something involves my team. Being in the thick of that dynamic can be difficult. It can be hard to tell what is really happening. At times, it can feel like you are being experimented ON. In my coaching calls, I observe this dynamic with the benefit of some emotional distance. Someone is planning an experiment, or is in the midst of an experiment. Someone is grappling with a coworker's experiment. Or both. Most of the time, it isn't called an experiment. Rather, it's the new process or new way we're doing things. In these calls, I've noticed a common pattern. First, the Why is missing, unclear, or lacks focus. And second, the people involved are not invited as co-experimenters. There's a huge difference between: OK. So here is the new OKR process. OKRs are a best practice, and management thinks they'll be a good idea. and In yesterday's workshop, we decided to try [specific experiment] to address [some longer term opportunity, observation, or problem]. We described the positive signals that would signal progress. They include [positive signals]. We described some signals to watch out for. We agreed that if anyone observes [leading indicators of something harmful or ineffective], they should bring that up immediately. We agreed to try this experiment first over [other options] because [reasons for not picking those options]. Those were good options, and we may revisit them in the future. We may very well experience [challenges] in the short term. Let's make sure we support each other by [tactics to support each other]. In a quarter, we'll decide whether to pivot or proceed. If we proceed, we'll work on operationalizing this, but that is not a given. As we try this, consider opportunities for future improvements. The difference is stark. Yes, the second approach takes longer (at first, and maybe not, see below). Yes, it is more involved and messy. But let's face it: no one likes being the subject of random experiments. The first option is fragile. The second option is powerful and resilient.