Observe, Hypothesize, and Experiment

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.