Chapter 11: Adapt

Question 1

What does a lean startup faces tension between?

Answer 1

Fast and scrappy vs Slow and methodically

Hacky and agile vs Robus and overdesigned

Question 2

How do you know you are going too fast or too slow?

Answer 2

You need to have a system to recognize the root cause of why it really happened. You need to use the 5 whys

Question 3

Explain the 5 whys

Answer 3

The 5 whys is a system where you ask yourself 5 times why an issue happened.

It’s a natural feedback loop that slows you down when you move too fast and prevents you from costly mistakes that can cripple your speed in the long run.

Look at pages 242-244 for a great example.

Question 4

Explain what it means to make a proportional investment.
(The 5 whys)

Answer 4

When you make your five whys describe how you will solve the problem

Look at pages 242-244 for a great example.

Question 5

What are the five blames?

Answer 5

Sometimes under a “The 5 whys” session, there may be multiple root causes and people may begin to point fingers. Then the session turns up in a heated discussion.

Question 6

How to avoid the five blames?

Answer 6

Everyone affected by the problem should attend the session

Be tolerant of all mistakes the first time - Create a culture that rewards finding mistakes (Be aware of it should be done with manners not blaming people)

Start with smaller, newer problems to test out the five whys process.

Appoint a five Whys master.