This famous quote by Otto von Bismarck perfectly highlights the importance of learning from the experiences and successes of others. In various fields, whether it's healthcare or technology, there is a tendency to overlook the tried and tested methods and search for new solutions. However, sometimes the key to real progress lies in doing more of what already works.

Nicole Rodriguez

Hatched by Nicole Rodriguez

Apr 05, 2024

4 min read

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This famous quote by Otto von Bismarck perfectly highlights the importance of learning from the experiences and successes of others. In various fields, whether it's healthcare or technology, there is a tendency to overlook the tried and tested methods and search for new solutions. However, sometimes the key to real progress lies in doing more of what already works.

In the field of medicine, this concept was brought to light by the physicians at Michigan hospitals through the implementation of the Keystone ICU Project. Led by physician Peter Pronovost and later popularized by writer Atul Gawande, this project aimed to improve patient safety and reduce complications in intensive care units (ICUs) by implementing a simple yet powerful strategy - never skipping steps.

The idea behind this strategy was to ensure that healthcare professionals consistently followed established protocols and guidelines. It may seem obvious that medical professionals should adhere to these protocols, but in reality, the hectic nature of healthcare often leads to shortcuts being taken and steps being skipped. By emphasizing the importance of never skipping steps, the physicians at Michigan hospitals were able to significantly improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare-associated infections.

This approach challenges the common belief that new solutions are always necessary for progress. In reality, there is often a wealth of knowledge and solutions already available that simply need to be implemented consistently. It's not about reinventing the wheel, but rather about utilizing existing knowledge and best practices to achieve better results.

The success of the Keystone ICU Project highlights the power of this approach. By focusing on doing more of what already works, the physicians were able to make a tangible difference in patient care. This concept can be applied to various other fields as well, including technology.

In the world of technology, there is a constant quest for innovation and new solutions. Startups and tech companies are always striving to develop the next big thing. However, sometimes the key to success lies in learning from the mistakes and successes of others.

Take the example of Glasp, a startup that aims to revolutionize the glass industry. The founders of Glasp realized that many existing glass companies were struggling to meet customer demands and provide a seamless user experience. Instead of trying to reinvent the entire glass manufacturing process, Glasp decided to focus on improving the existing methods and technologies.

By studying the challenges faced by other glass companies and learning from their mistakes, Glasp was able to identify areas for improvement. They implemented innovative solutions that addressed these pain points and created a more efficient and customer-centric glass manufacturing process.

This approach not only saved Glasp time and resources but also allowed them to tap into an existing market with established demand. By doing more of what already works, Glasp was able to differentiate itself from the competition and gain a competitive edge.

So, what can we learn from these examples? How can we apply the concept of doing more of what already works in our own lives and endeavors? Here are three actionable pieces of advice:

  1. Study success stories: Instead of constantly searching for new solutions, take the time to study success stories in your field. Look for individuals or companies that have achieved remarkable results and analyze their methods and strategies. By learning from their successes, you can identify practices that can be applied to your own endeavors.

  2. Focus on consistency: One of the key factors in the success of the Keystone ICU Project was the focus on consistency. By never skipping steps and adhering to established protocols, healthcare professionals were able to improve patient outcomes. In your own pursuits, emphasize the importance of consistency and ensure that you are consistently implementing proven methods and strategies.

  3. Don't overlook the basics: Sometimes, the most effective solutions are the simplest ones. Don't overlook the basics in search of complex and innovative solutions. Take a step back and assess whether there are existing methods or practices that can be improved upon or implemented more consistently. Doing more of what already works doesn't always mean reinventing the wheel, but rather making small tweaks and adjustments to achieve better results.

In conclusion, the concept of doing more of what already works is a powerful one. Whether it's in the field of healthcare or technology, there is often a wealth of knowledge and proven methods that can be utilized to achieve better results. By studying success stories, focusing on consistency, and not overlooking the basics, we can apply this concept to our own lives and endeavors and make real progress. So, let's embrace the power of never skipping steps and do more of what already works.

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