Testing out your ideas

Let's say you have an idea. You've got the concept, you've got the method, but one thing is missing: you want to test it first before suggesting it on a wider scale. How would one go about this? There are two easy ways to test workplace ideas: the Minimum Viable Product method (MVP), or the Smoke Test method.

Minimum Viable Product (MVP) for Workplace Improvements:

1. Identify Core Improvements: Determine the essential changes or improvements you want to implement in the workplace.

2. Build the MVP: Develop a basic version of these improvements. This could be a pilot program, a new tool, or a small-scale process change.

3. Launch and Test: Introduce the MVP to a small group of employees and gather their feedback.

4. Analyse Feedback: Assess the feedback to understand the benefits, costs, and advantages of the improvement.

5. Iterate: Use the insights gained to refine and expand the improvement.

   
   

Example:

Imagine you want to introduce a flexible work schedule to improve employee satisfaction. Instead of rolling it out company-wide, you could create an MVP by:

• Allowing a small team to try flexible hours for a month.

• Collecting feedback on their experience and productivity.

• Analysing the results to see if the flexible schedule improves satisfaction and performance.

  
  

Based on the feedback, you can decide whether to expand the flexible schedule to more teams or adjust the policy.

Smoke Test for Workplace Improvements:

1. Identify Critical Functions: Determine the most important aspects of the improvement that need to work for it to be viable, such as employee adoption, impact on productivity, and overall satisfaction.

2. Create Basic Tests: Develop simple tests to check if these critical functions work correctly. This could involve a survey, a small trial, or a focus group.

3. Execute Tests: Run these tests to see if the core aspects of the improvement are operational.

4. Analyse Results: If the critical functions work, you can proceed with more detailed planning and implementation. If they fail, you need to address these issues before moving forward.

   
   

Example:

Imagine you want to implement a new project management tool to improve collaboration. A smoke test might include:

• Setting up a trial version of the tool for a small team.

• Providing basic training and support.

• Measuring how effectively the team uses the tool and their feedback on its usability.

  
  

If the team finds the tool helpful and easy to use, you can proceed with a broader rollout. If not, you can address any issues or consider alternative tools.

Both methods help you validate workplace improvements quickly and cost-effectively, ensuring you're making changes that truly benefit your team.