Improve Without Starting Over
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It’s tempting to hit the reset button when things get messy, but instead of starting from scratch, why not build on what’s already working and tweak the rest?
Why Teams Love Hitting Reset
The allure of a fresh start! Perfectionism whispers, "If it’s not flawless, bin it." The shiny-object syndrome tempts us with new approaches, and agreement amnesia makes us forget why we started. But beware! This often leads to losing valuable lessons and progress.
A Four-Step Framework for Iteration
Establish a Clear Agreement: Document your goals, define success, assign responsibilities, and set review dates. For example, plan weekly one-to-ones to catch issues early.
Execute & Capture Learning: Track what’s working, what’s not, and whether assumptions hold true. Identify if issues stem from execution or design flaws.
Review Against the Original Agreement: On review day, assess your metrics, learnings, and areas for improvement. Focus on direction, not perfection.
Revise (Don’t Replace): Enhance what works and adjust what doesn’t. Make small pivots instead of sweeping changes for compound learning.
Applying Iteration to Your Leadership
In high-pressure roles, apply this framework to processes like client onboarding or team check-ins. When tempted to reset, ask: Do we have the original agreement? Are we progressing? What can we tweak?
Why It Matters
Avoid exhausting new starts, protect your energy, and keep improving by preserving what works. This mindset fosters sustainable growth and predictable momentum.
Final Word
Next time you’re tempted to scrap a process, pause. Reflect on your original agreement, learnings, and tweaks. Remember, improvement is about getting better at getting better!
