Test one small change, then compare carefully

A useful team experiment has a clear boundary and an observation that fits the work.

Choose one routine the team can adjust without conflicting with approved work requirements or local instructions. Agree on a limited observation period, keep relevant conditions in view, and decide in advance what evidence would help the team discuss what happened.

For a fairer comparison, record the same measure in the same way before and during the experiment where practical. Note changes in workload, staffing, equipment, or local practice. A small team comparison can inform the next discussion; it does not establish what will happen elsewhere.

Worked example: avoid unnecessary printed pages

A fictional Northstar Works team tests a routine while keeping necessary paper copies available.

The team agrees that documents requiring a paper copy for the task continue to be printed as needed.

  1. 1

    Agree what stays on paper

    Before the test, the team lists work that still needs a paper copy under its current process. The experiment applies only to routine documents where a digital copy is suitable.

  2. 2

    Set a limited observation period

    On the same team printer, subtract the starting cumulative page-counter reading from the ending reading for each period: 1–12 June 2026 as the baseline, then 15–26 June while keeping suitable routine documents digital and printing only the pages the task requires. Necessary paper records remain unchanged.

  3. 3

    Keep context with the counts

    For each period, note the team’s work volume and any unusual staffing, equipment, or process changes that could affect the comparison.

  4. 4

    Review what the measure can show

    Compare the page counts and context together. Discuss whether the routine was workable and what the team would change before repeating or sharing the observation.

Adapt the comparison before drawing a conclusion

Interpret in context

Keep unlike periods separate

If one period includes a large mailing, a different shift pattern, or printer downtime, note it rather than treating the two totals as directly comparable. The measure is printer pages for this team and period—not proof of organization-wide material savings.

  • Report each period and its unit.
  • Describe relevant changes in workload or conditions.
  • State what the count does and does not measure.