Robin Fleming

Lean Canvas is great identifying and narrowing in on a business model, problems, solutions, and, ultimately, your MVP. Documenting design experiments sprints and associated validation plans in order to build, measure, and learn will require additional tools.
 For software, building a no-code, low-code, or a fully coded MVP, will dictate the level of sprint details and the associated tools to support the work. To validate your business model, a no-code or simple prototype may be the best starting point before you significantly invest in a feature-focused MVP. As you build, test, and learn, treating Lean Canvas as an organic model that’s updated as learning progresses is valuable for staying focused on the problem-solution fit.

A tremendous benefit of networking is building relationships that can lead to unexpected business collaborations and even formal partnerships that are valuable to all parties. I think a few keys to success are being open to a broad range of networking opportunities, proactively allocating time to networking, and being generous with your contributions “gives,” as well as being upfront and clear about your “asks.”

Sustaining operational improvements should also include reviewing and refining metrics, monitoring, and the associated systems to support operational improvements. Since operational improvements are often dynamic and desired to improve continuously, an ongoing review of measurement systems is foundational to ensuring sustained change. This can include reviewing and refining the quality and quantity of the data and insights, augmenting measures, and improving access for team members and key stakeholders. A focus on monitoring and measurement improvements can also significantly enhance the ability to identify and drive the next wave of needed operational improvements.

Getting hands-on can be critical for many of us to learn vs. reading or taking a slightly interactive training course. As you become a more senior leader, staying hands-on can be challenging for many reasons. Finding training and tools that provide hands-on exercises can truly make the difference in obtaining knowledge. And of course, the more you understand the better your input and insights are to your team and customers.

As you gather feedback make sure to include all stakeholders. This likely means considering a wider range of those who will be directly and indirectly impacted in both positive and potentially negative ways. As you analyze the feedback make sure to use methods that help with objectively considering and assessing the data.