Lean Startup in the Corporate Jungle.
This week's topic: We explore an interesting paradox: the application of lean startup principles in large and traditionally slow-moving organizations.
Welcome! Product Party is a weekly newsletter connecting people to the world of problem-solving through product 🎉
“I’ve read (insert your favorite product book that tells you you should be doing tests here), and I really want to use the concepts.
However, I work in a big company and I have no idea where I can start to make this happen.”
Does this sound like you and your situation? Don’t worry; many of us have run up against this. Having read these books and run into this in my past, I have a few thoughts on ways you could start to bridge the gap and help turn your organization into The Lean Startup just as Eric Ries believes you should.
So let’s get into it.
Finding Creative Avenues for Testing and Iteration
Large orgs often feel like a maze of rules and paperwork, making innovation seem daunting. But there's room for the lean startup approach even in this setting.
The key is to think small - not every new initiative needs to be a grand, disruptive project. Small, safe tests and experiments can help you try new things while minimizing risks. Over time, these small steps can gradually transform your organization into a more agile, innovative entity. Don't worry about the scale of the challenge; remember, even small changes can contribute to significant progress. Start stringing these together and the compounding effect can pay great dividends.
Framing Potential Tests Before Seeking Buy-In
Getting the green light for new ideas in a big company can sometimes feel like climbing Mount Everest. A helpful trick here is to neatly package your ideas into potential tests before you ask for a thumbs up.
Imagine you're telling a story. Your proposal is the plot, spelling out what you plan to do, what you'll need, and what you think will happen. When your plan is clear and convincing, it's easier for the people in charge to get on board with your vision. Mixing a good story with solid data can give your innovative ideas a fighting chance. Take the time to weave that narrative - it might just be the thing that changes the course of your journey.
Tying Initiatives to Key Metrics for Immediate Value
Once your new project or product starts, it's pretty important to show that it's making a difference immediately. That's where keeping an eye on certain key metrics comes in handy.
Be prepared to show how your project is moving the needle on these metrics. Maybe it's making customers happier, cutting costs, or boosting efficiency. When you show that your idea delivers real value from the get-go, people are more likely to back you up. So keep those metrics close - they can be your best friends when it comes to gaining support for your innovation.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, it's all about being innovative, even when navigating the complex maze of a large organization. You don't have to reinvent the wheel - small, safe experiments can lead to significant progress.
When looking for buy-in on new ideas, remember a clear story about what you're doing and why, backed by solid data, can make all the difference. And when your project starts, be ready to prove its value immediately by showing how it's positively impacting key metrics. As you read this, consider exploring these strategies in your own workplace - you might be surprised by the impact you can make.
Please consider leaving a comment and letting us know how you have navigated these types of scenarios in your world.
Support Product Party
Like what you’re reading? Tell some friends by clicking here and picking your favorite place to promote your favorite newsletters:
having a good narrative is so necessary!
without one, it's hard to get people to listen, much less actually agree.
I like the emphasis on starting small and doing safe tests and experiments. It's refreshing to see when these small changes lead to something more significant progress over time.