Why you should start with a small experiment

It’s tempting to jump straight into large-scale transformations when introducing change. However, starting first with small, reversible experiments builds confidence, reduces resistance, and leads to deeper, lasting improvement.

30-Second Version

• Large-scale change initiatives can be overwhelming, trigger resistance or wind up in only superficial implementation.
• Small, reversible experiments help you test ideas first, gather insights, and gradually build your team’s readiness for more significant changes.
• Approaching change processes with curiosity and manageable ‘micro-actions’ strengthens your collective ability to adapt, iterate, and ultimately get to sustainable outcomes.

The Full Read

Implementing change within educational institutions often means encountering resistance, especially when the proposed shifts are perceived by the team as permanent or overwhelming. An effective strategy to navigate this challenge is encouraging teams to first engage in small-scale, low-risk and reversible experiments before committing to large-scale changes. This approach allows for testing new ideas in a controlled environment, gathering valuable insights, and building buy-in among team members. In short, it saves a lot of pain!

Why Small Experiments Work
By framing changes as temporary experiments, teams can explore new practices or processes without the pressure of immediate, widespread adoption. Small, reversible experiments lower risk by minimising anxiety and resistance, making the stakes feel manageable for people. The rapid feedback generated from these experiments also helps teams to adapt their early solutions more quickly to better fit their unique context. Additionally, conducting smaller experiments nurtures a culture of curiosity and builds momentum, encouraging teams to move beyond simply sustaining and protecting the status quo.

Tips for Running Change Experiments

• Start small and build gradually: Begin with individual or small team actions where you have high agency and can quickly observe the impact.
• Stay playful and curious: Approach experiments with questions like ‘What if we tried…?’ to maintain openness and creativity.
• Choose safe entry points: Begin experiments in low-risk areas likely to yield quick wins and wide acceptance.
• Make changes reversible initially: Temporarily trial new approaches, evaluating impact before deciding to embed changes permanently.

By regularly conducting small, reversible experiments, your team gains practical insights, builds confidence, and gradually develops the capability to tackle larger, more complex transformations.