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
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. 




Strategic Foundations: What Is Unlikely to Change?
Like construction projects, construction businesses are only as strong as their foundations. Build your strategies around things that are unlikely to change in the long-term (10+ years).
Calm and Deliberate Action
Slow is smooth and smooth is fast. This advice is invaluable when leading a team through a crisis. Calm and deliberate action is what's required, often from incomplete and conflicting information.
Definition - Certification
The Verified Ability to do something (skill) to meet a certain level of performance (standard / competency).