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. 




Bill Walsh - Planning the First 25 Plays
Construction success depends on both the ability to rigorously plan as well as the ability to quickly react to changing field conditions. This is similar to sports and a lot can be learned from the disciplines of great coaches.
Management Team Development Phases Within Each Stage of Growth
The management team leading a contractor through the different stages of growth will typically navigate three phases at each stage - Emerging, Hollow, and Ready. Understanding these phases guides growth planning, recruitment, development, and succession.
Can't Read the Label From Inside the Jar
By definition it is impossible for any of us to know what we don’t know. Who are the top 5 people inside your organization that help each other refine your models of projects, your company and the industry?