Prove It Works: The Power of Small Experiments

I want to share a simple idea that sits at the heart of learning by experimentation.

I am working with an organisation that wants to transform how it operates. The goal is clear. The direction is clear.

What is less clear is how we get from where we are now to where we want to be.

Start Small, Then Scale

Instead of rolling out a full solution immediately, we are starting small. We are bringing together a small group to shape an outline design.

We are then simulating it—mock meetings, mock reports.

And we ask one simple question: Will this actually work?

If it looks promising, we will run a small pilot. Learn. Adjust. Only then do we decide whether to scale it up.

“Treating your project, especially early on, as a series of small experiments.”

This is what “prove it works” really means. It allows you to reduce cost, increase confidence, and move faster without betting the whole project too early.

Your Action

Choose the time you have available:

20 Seconds
Repeat this mantra three times:
“Test small on projects before you go big.”
2 Minutes
Identify what you are most uncertain about on your project. These are your key assumptions.

They might be about the goal. Are you sure you know what you need to produce, and that it will get you where you want to be?

Or they might be about the how. Are you sure your delivery approach will actually work?
20+ Minutes
Take your key assumptions and score them by importance.

For each one, define a clear learning goal.

Then build those learning goals into your project plan through tests, simulations, or pilots.

Let’s fire up successful projects and change,

Greg