Budget Boosters: Iterating with Intention
Have you ever felt like your team spends time and money on processes that no longer work? Maybe your organization sticks to the same methods because “that’s how it’s always been done,” even though results are falling short. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many organizations face this challenge, but the good news is that breaking the cycle is possible. This blog explores a simple, powerful solution: adopting the Iterative Mindset Method™ (IMM). We’ll explain what the IMM is, look at real-world examples, and share practical ways to start using it in your own organization.
What Is the Iterative Mindset Method™ (IMM)?
The Iterative Mindset Method™ offers a fresh way of thinking. Instead of focusing only on performance outcomes, the IMM encourages continuous practice and improvement. Every attempt becomes a learning opportunity. Setbacks are not considered failures—they are valuable insights that move you forward. By adopting this approach, organizations build resilience and agility, making it easier to adjust, adapt, and grow. The IMM helps teams shift from rigid expectations to real, lasting progress. Over time, this mindset strengthens businesses, making them more capable of surviving and thriving through change.
Real-World Examples of Iteration in Action
Real organizations are already applying IMM principles with great success.
Philips made a significant shift from traditional health products to digital health solutions. To support this change, Philips partnered with Cornerstone OnDemand to create an AI-powered, adaptive learning platform. This platform allows employees to build and share personalized lesson playlists. It also encourages organic peer mentoring, connecting new staff with experienced employees. By building a system that supports continuous, tailored learning, Philips shows how creating opportunities for daily learning strengthens skills across the organization. This approach reflects the IMM by making learning an active, ongoing process rather than a one-time event.
Cardinal Health took a different but equally effective approach. They launched the Fuse Innovation Center to promote rapid experimentation and collaboration. Employees, customers, and partners work together in agile, week-long sprints to develop and test new ideas. Leadership plays an active role, ensuring insights from these sprints become part of the larger organization. Cardinal Health builds a stronger culture of innovation by supporting real-time feedback and fast iteration. Their model shows that creativity and improvement happen faster and more effectively when teams are encouraged to experiment and adjust quickly.
Atos (formerly Axos) focused on building digital skills at scale. They introduced the Digital Transformation Factory certification program to upskill employees. This program’s voluntary nature and peer nomination process set this program apart. Employees were motivated by recognition from their peers, not just management. As a result, more than 70,000 employees completed digital certifications in just three years, far exceeding expectations. Atos’ success highlights a key IMM principle: when people are given ownership of their learning and supported by their peers, they are more committed and willing to grow continuously.
Each example shows successful iteration comes from building systems and habits that encourage daily learning, adjustment, and improvement rather than relying on one significant change.
How Organizations Can Apply the IMM
Organizations can start applying the IMM by treating every action as a chance to learn. Instead of pushing for perfection, teams can test small ideas and use real feedback to adjust quickly. Involving customers early helps ensure that solutions meet real needs, saving time and resources. Starting with small experiments reduces risk and gives teams room to adjust before scaling up. Building a culture that values practice and resilience is key. Better outcomes naturally follow when learning and improvement are part of daily work. The Iterative Mindset Method™ is not limited to tech companies or startups. Any organization can benefit from building a culture of continuous learning and adjustment. The IMM leads to stronger teams, smarter spending, and better long-term results. To learn more about how your organization can apply the IMM, visit instituteforiterativethinking.org.