Building High-Impact Team Structures for Experimentation
Are you ready to break free from the experimentation hamster wheel? Too often, we see teams running test after test without moving the needle on business outcomes. However you can transform your experimentation program from a series of tactical moves into a strategic powerhouse that drives real business impact through mindful structure of how your teams work together.
The Power of Structure: Why Your Team Model Makes or Breaks Success
Your experimentation team's structure isn't just an org chart – it's the foundation that determines how effectively you can prioritize, execute, and drive business outcomes. Let's explore three proven models that are revolutionizing how companies approach experimentation, and discover which one could propel your organization forward.
Center of Excellence (COE): Empowering Through Excellence
Imagine a hub of experimentation expertise at the heart of your organization, radiating best practices and support to every corner of the business. That's the Center of Excellence model in action. This powerhouse structure maintains high standards while giving individual teams the autonomy they need to innovate.
When it shines:
- The program initiatives have accurate metrics implemented, which drive business decisions with precision
- Your organization has reached experimentation maturity
- You operate with decentralized roadmaps, and own those outcomes
- Teams have independence while maintaining consistent standards
Impact accelerators:
- Improved trust in experiment quality
- Greater team autonomy
- Reduced need for micromanagement
- Better, faster decision-making
Centralized Experimentation Team: Focused Force for Growth
Led by experimentation experts (often under a “Head of Experimentation”), this model puts all the pieces – people, processes, tools, and outcomes – under one roof. It's your go-to structure when you need tight alignment between experimentation efforts and specific business metrics.
When it shines:
- Data-focused teams have unified direction
- Growth initiatives are driven across the org (marketing, product, and data teams) - Bonus: They’re tied to OKRs
- Tight product management workflows lead to quick & accurate iteration
Impact accelerators:
- Clear accountability for outcomes
- Streamlined decision-making
- Consistent methodology
- Focused resource allocation
Networked Model: Agile and Adaptive
Think of this as your lean, mean experimentation machine. While resources might be distributed, the focus on outcomes remains clear. This model excels through influence and collaboration, perfect for organizations where experimentation needs to be nimble and adaptive.
When it shines:
- Organizations with limited dedicated resources incorporate experimentation into their workflows
- Cross-functional collaboration is the norm
- External partnerships are part of your team’s DNA to get things done
Impact accelerators:
- Strong influence/internal buy-in across teams
- Clear outcome ownership
- Effective stakeholder management
- Flexible resource utilization
Taking Action: Your Path to Experimentation Excellence
Ready to transform your experimentation program? Here's your action plan:
1. Assess Your Current State
- Evaluate your team's maturity level (related to people, processes, tools, and outcomes)
- Identify existing strengths and gaps
- Map your resources and capabilities
2. Choose Your Model
- Match your structure to your organization's needs
- Consider your growth stage and goals
- Plan for scalability: consider change management, training, etc.
3. Implement and Iterate
- Start with clear protocols and workflows
- Establish quality standards
- Monitor and adjust based on results
The Future of Experimentation
The most successful organizations don't just run experiments – they build experimentation into their DNA. By choosing the right structure and focusing on the critical components that drive success, you're not just optimizing for today – you're building the foundation for tomorrow's impact.
Remember: The goal isn't to run more experiments. It's to drive real business impact through smart, strategic experimentation. Which model will you choose to power your organization's growth?
By Anthony Rindone, Customer Data Scientist & Christine Borkowski, Engagement Manager
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