How Does Your Team React to New Ideas?
Rate your team’s response 1-10 for this scenario:
When you propose a new idea, what happens?
1: Groans, rolled eyes, and a “we’re too busy” dismissal.
10: Enthusiasm and a “bring it on” attitude.
Understanding your team’s reaction is more than a diagnostic—it could be the key to achieving your Big Bold Goals. Let’s explore how shifting from resistance to curiosity drives transformative results.
Lessons from Bold Experimentation
Jason Stockwood grew his business’s value from £10m to £390m—a 39x increase—by embedding a culture of experimentation. His team ran around 60 experiments weekly, creating a dynamic and adaptive work environment.
My own journey mirrors this. Before turning our data analytics company around, we experimented minimally. Once we embraced structured trials, our growth accelerated. Moving from “we’re too busy” to “let’s try this” was a game-changer.
What’s Your Team’s Score?
If you scored high, congratulations! Your team likely thrives on adaptability and innovation.
If not, don’t worry—it’s fixable. The shift begins with fostering curiosity and encouraging experimentation. The future belongs to teams that continuously test, measure, and evolve.
Kick-Start a Culture of Experimentation
Here are three easy-to-implement experiments to build momentum:
1. The 5-Minute Experiment: Idea Blitz
Objective: Spark creativity in a low-pressure setting.
Set a timer for 5 minutes.
Have the team brainstorm small, actionable experiments.
Share and discuss briefly.
Outcome: Generates a pool of quick, testable ideas and normalizes experimentation as a fast and approachable process.
2. The 30-Minute Experiment: Pilot in a Box
Objective: Teach structured experimentation.
Divide into small groups and pick an idea from the blitz.
Design a mini-test plan: hypothesis, smallest testable action, and measurement strategy.
Share plans with the group.
Outcome: Teams learn how to think critically about experimentation.
3. The 1-Hour Experiment: Live Lab
Objective: Gain real-time experience with testing.
Pick a simple idea from the 30-Minute Experiment.
Dedicate one hour to implement it in a low-risk scenario.
Debrief: What worked? What didn’t? What’s next?
Outcome: Builds confidence and momentum while showcasing the value of iterative feedback.
Ask the Right Questions
Innovation starts with curiosity. Revisit the questions your team routinely asks. Replace, “Will this work?” with, “What can we learn?” and “How might this evolve?” Shifting the focus to inquiry reframes challenges into opportunities.
The Path to Bold Goals
Experimentation isn’t just about process—it’s a mindset. Whether testing new strategies or shifting ingrained attitudes, progress is fueled by a willingness to try, learn, and adapt.
What would it take to score a 10?
Be like Jason. Build a culture where experimentation thrives and bold goals become achievable—one experiment at a time.
What experiments have worked for your team? Share your ideas and let’s spark a movement of bold, curious innovators!