It’s only by trying something new, getting it wrong, identifying what’s worked and what hasn’t, and improving your solution until you create something that works. This is true in product development, operational improvements, leadership and strategy – and virtually every other walk of life.

The chart, above, is taken from my book, The CEO’s Strategy Handbook (you can find out more and download a free chapter by clicking here), and compares and contrasts ‘traditional’ ways of trialling new solutions (the top chart) – which commonly involve significant amounts of detailed planning and discussions before getting to action – with more interactive, action-based learning approaches (the lower chart).

How are you developing new solutions for your business? Are you spending your time, resources and effort generating and defending plans or are you focused on rapidly creating and testing your latest prototype?

© Stuart Cross 2012. All rights reserved.