A few months ago, our team began exploring a new approach to streamlining content reviews. As our content needs expanded, we realized the importance of finding a solution that would enhance collaboration, simplify feedback, and improve efficiency. Rather than diving headfirst into a new system, we decided to take a thoughtful, phased approach. We started by testing it with a few select projects, ensuring minimal disruption to our existing workflow. This allowed us to evaluate its effectiveness while keeping things running smoothly.
Rather than diving headfirst into a new system, we decided to take a thoughtful, phased approach. We embraced an experimental mindset, testing it with a few select projects to ensure minimal disruption to our existing workflow. This allowed us to evaluate its effectiveness while keeping things running smoothly.
One of our priorities has been involving everyone in the testing process. Each team member has had the opportunity to use the new tool within their specific workflows, providing valuable feedback and ensuring no one feels left out of the transition. By seeking diverse perspectives, we’re gaining insights into how the platform performs across different use cases.
While we haven’t fully migrated, the initial feedback has been encouraging. The streamlined approach has shown promise in making content reviews more intuitive and collaborative. As we continue testing, we’re confident that this deliberate, team-oriented method will help us determine the best path forward
Small Shifts, Big Insights: The Power of Simple Experiments
As leaders, we often associate change with risk, and not without reason. We’ve all been there, considering new ideas or processes, only to hesitate because the stakes feel too high. The fear of failure, of missteps that can’t be undone, can make us shy away from even the simplest of shifts. But what I’ve learned is that it doesn’t always take a major leap to make a difference. Sometimes, it’s the small experiments that create the most meaningful change.
Take, for example, the recent experiment with our content review process. It isn’t a complex or risky move, just a simple trial of new software on a few projects, while keeping the old process running in parallel. No grand commitments, just a chance to explore something new with little pressure. And yet, that small step is already revealing a better, more efficient way of working. This approach reflects the power of adopting an experimental mindset: exploring new possibilities without the fear of failure holding us back.
This is what I call building the ‘experiment muscle’, testing small experiments that allow us to dip our toes in the water without diving in headfirst. They offer a way to try something new, learn, and adapt, without the overwhelming fear of making a mistake we can’t come back from.
Tips to Encourage a Culture of Experimentation in Your Team
1
Start Small: As we’ve seen, the most successful experiments often begin with small changes. Encourage your team to start with manageable, low-risk trials that allow for learning without major consequences.
2
Celebrate Learning, Not Just Success: It’s important to shift the focus from just achieving results to valuing the process of learning. When an experiment doesn’t go as planned, use it as an opportunity to discuss what went wrong and how to improve next time.
3
Encourage Cross-Functional Collaboration: Experimentation doesn’t have to happen in a silo. Encourage your team to collaborate across departments and disciplines. Diverse perspectives can lead to more creative solutions and help the team approach problems from different angles.
4
Lead by Example: As a leader, model the behavior you want to see. Be transparent about the experiments you’re running, the lessons you’re learning, and the risks you’re taking. When your team sees you embracing experimentation, they’ll be more likely to do the same.
Download this digital strategy for leaders and get the clarity you need to make bold decisions even when things seem uncertain.
“All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make the better.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson
American essayist
Learning is my love language. I have found that the thrill of discovering something new ideas, a different perspective, or an innovative approach, is what keeps my team and I motivated and growing.
As a leader, you can bring this same energy to your team by nurturing a culture of experimentation. Just as learning is a constant journey, so is leadership. It’s all about testing, adapting, and evolving. The moment we think we’ve figured it all out is the moment growth stalls. Learn to embrace small experiments: in your strategies, your processes, or your way of thinking. Heck, try out a new route to work tomorrow, see how your day pans out.
