Product Experimentation: The Key to Continuous Learning and Success

In today's fast-paced and ever-evolving business world, product experimentation is more important than ever. In order to stay ahead and meet the ever-changing needs of the market, it's essential for organisations to continuously test new ideas and approaches. 

And yet, experimentation continues to be misunderstood by many. At its core, it is so much more than just trying new things for the sake of trying them - it's about learning that is focused on achieving a greater purpose. Fostering a culture that is open to continuous learning can empower your team to be innovative and creative while maintaining constant growth aligned with a set of goals.

Let’s take a look at embedding continuous experimentation and learning into your organisation, and the role that leadership plays in its adoption.

Experimentation and learning as part of a company’s culture

One of the most important things you can do as a leader is to promote a culture of experimentation and learning. This means encouraging your team to take controlled risks, try new things, and continuously improve. By creating a supportive and inclusive environment that values experimentation, you'll foster a culture of innovation and growth. 

When people feel safe to experiment and try new things, they are more likely to come up with new and creative solutions to problems. When this is further aligned with a purpose and solid product vision, you are able to create a driven environment where your teams can thrive. 

In this environment, it’s important to celebrate failure and velocity. That is, we’re not punishing team members for getting something wrong - instead, shift the conversation to what was learned, and how the team might improve the outcome the next time around.

Remove the habit of seeing people as failures. Rather, focus on what the situation was that led to failure, and invest in your team's growth to do better next time.

It’s also important to remember that experimentation should always be tied back to your product strategy. You're not there to support individual hobby ideas or make excuses for toxic behaviour. Instead, you're there to help your team achieve a common goal and create something that makes a real impact. By continually reminding your team of the purpose of your product, you'll keep them motivated on what truly matters and ensure that their experimentation is aligned with the company's overall mission.

The Power of Vulnerable Leadership

Another key aspect of promoting a culture of experimentation is embracing vulnerability. As a leader, it's important to remember that you don't have all the answers. In fact, being willing to ask questions and admit when you're wrong can be incredibly powerful. Learning to change one’s views is key. As they say - strong opinions, are loosely held.

When leaders show vulnerability, they build trust with their team and create a more collaborative and open environment. This, in turn, allows for more effective experimentation and problem-solving. “Trust” is a big word in any team. Trust needs consistency, reliability, aligned purpose, honesty and openness. Ironically, leaders will often protect their teams and hide the truth which results in inconsistent decision-making and behaviours, which then inevitably kills the trust we’re trying to build. Teams with trust are more proactive and share their learnings early on resulting in faster innovation and reduced waste. Vulnerability is a leader's key to creating trust.

So go ahead, and encourage your team to take risks and try new things - you never know what great ideas they might come up with!