Osborne, Larry. Innovation’s Dirty Little Secret: Why Serial Innovators Succeed Where Others Fail. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2013. Kindle Electronic Edition.
Chapter 8, “A Bias for Action: Why Data and Proof Are Overrated” (Loc. 728-855
Osborne observes that “it’s the confirmation of a great idea, proper timing, and excellent execution that brings success” (Loc. 744). If any of those elements is missing there is no true gain. The bias toward action allows an organization to try new things quickly to see what works (Loc. 744). This bias means that the organization will try something without all the data or proof that it already works.
Osborne goes on to give examples of church innovations including changing to a clearly contemporary style, putting drums on the stage in church, and canceling church services to encourage the church members to go and do works of community service on a Sunday morning. He considers all of the work a matter of balancing risk and benefit to accomplish a purpose (Loc. 836).