The Lean Startup

The Lean Startup has much to teach past entrepreneurship. Many of the ideas and values espoused in the book have resonated with me in many different scenarios and situations. For example, rapid iteration has helped me with my work. Instead of just assuming that what I’ve made is what people want, I’ll show my drafts and get feedback on them frequently so that I don’t have to make any major revisions or waste a great deal of time. In addition, the process of rapid iteration ensures that you’re getting constant feedback. I think I have implemented this own process into my own life through seeking feedback. During my internships, I’ll ask for feedback around halfway through the intern period. To me, it’s a good balance between not annoying my boss, but getting feedback that I can act on before the internship ends. Furthermore, when I get feedback at the end of the internship period I can see whether I’ve adequately acted on the previous set of suggestions.

“By asking and answering ‘why’ five times, we can get to the real cause of the problem, which is often hidden behind more obvious symptoms”

Another useful technique I learned was in relation to problem-solving. The 5 Whys method (similar to a depth interview) is a process where one tries to get to the root of a problem by asking why. And then asking again. And again. For example, if I’m trying to figure out why someone bought a certain skirt.

The first time I ask them why they tell me that the skirt was good quality and would last a long time. In addition, the skirt paired well with a lot of their current clothes.

Why does it matter if it goes with a lot of current clothes? Well, because they like to mix and match instead of having just individual outfits.

Why do they like mixing and matching? Because they liked having a more “haphazard” style and would do things like wear mismatched socks.

Why do you like this haphazard style? It made them feel like they had their own sense of fashion and made them feel unique.

Why do they need to feel unique? Perhaps it might have been because they don’t want to get lost in the crowd. Maybe it’s because they think poorly of the mainstream.

This method has not only helped me identify root problems, but have also helped me think of creative ways to solve said problems. In addition, I feel as though it has helped me become better at introspection and understanding myself.