Strategy 300: Test, Tally, Turn

Imperative Explained

Test, Tally, Turn means building a rhythm of experimentation and truth-telling. Leaders run small tests to validate beliefs, gather evidence quickly, and look directly at what the data says. When new insight emerges, they pivot decisively—not recklessly, but responsibly.
This practice builds trust, accelerates problem-solving, and lowers the cost of learning. Teams become more responsive and less attached to outdated thinking. Strategy becomes a living system instead of a static plan.

Five Behaviors

• Run small tests — Validate assumptions early.
  
  
• Measure honestly — Look at what’s real, not what’s comfortable.
  
  
• Call out truth — Name what the data actually shows.
  
  
• Pivot decisively — Adjust when evidence shifts.
  
  
• Capture learning — Document insights to strengthen future cycles.
  
  

If You Don’t

Outdated thinking persists. Mistakes compound quietly. Teams burn cycles solving yesterday’s problems. Cross-functional partners lose trust in leadership judgment, and customers feel the slow pace of course correction.

If You Do

Learning compounds. Issue surfacing increases, error reporting becomes more accurate, and psychological safety strengthens as truth-telling becomes normal. Teams make smarter, faster decisions grounded in evidence—not assumptions.

Mini-Case

A director realized her team’s assumptions about customer needs were outdated. She ran targeted tests, reviewed the results openly, and pivoted the direction. The team delivered a more relevant solution faster, avoiding weeks of wasted effort.

Try It This Week

1. Test one assumption.
   
   
2. Measure one outcome honestly.
   
   
3. Name a new truth you learned.
   
   
4. Pivot a small task.
   
   
5. Document one insight.
   
   

Learn More

Explore Accountability 200: Make Reality the Boss for stronger evidence discipline, Learning 300: Publish Your Progress for transparency, and Decision Making 200: Test the Nod to reinforce alignment as you adjust.