The Scientific Method has been developed over the ages as a method of learning. Learning from trial and error gave way to conducting experiments, inductive/deductive reasoning and pragmatism. W. Edwards Deming made famous the PDSA cycle and referenced it as the Shewhart Cycle for Learning and Improvement.
Unfortunately, too many organizations still embrace pre-historic versions of learning. Instead of using evidence and experimentation they base their organization’s future in ideology and assumption. Too often the voice from the hierarchy, the squeaky wheel or experience reign over fact.
Impatient organizations often look for immediate results to lagging measures like the monthly financials and customer survey results. The problem with these measures is that they are like a thermometer – they measure the problem but don’t tell you what you need to do to make improvements. Only through experimentation can you learn, and a method to learn can help you discover new and better ways. Experimentation with new axioms and principles will lead to new work methods using the PDSA cycle will lead to new design of work and management.
Unfortunately, too many organizations still embrace pre-historic versions of learning. Instead of using evidence and experimentation they base their organization’s future in ideology and assumption. Too often the voice from the hierarchy, the squeaky wheel or experience reign over fact.
Impatient organizations often look for immediate results to lagging measures like the monthly financials and customer survey results. The problem with these measures is that they are like a thermometer – they measure the problem but don’t tell you what you need to do to make improvements. Only through experimentation can you learn, and a method to learn can help you discover new and better ways. Experimentation with new axioms and principles will lead to new work methods using the PDSA cycle will lead to new design of work and management.
