Share This Post
As a leader, you face a fast-paced, ever-evolving workplace that demands adaptability, innovation, and resilience. The SAFE-test Method offers you a structured yet flexible coaching framework to navigate these challenges effectively. By applying this approach, you can see clear progress driving change and success for yourself and your team.
This article will explore how we use the SAFE-test Method in our coaching and how it can be applied in real-world scenarios. We’ll use the story of Ben, a leader in the pharmaceutical industry, as a practical example.
If you prefer reading in Danish, then you can read that version right here.
Ben’s Leadership Journey: From Compliance to Innovation
Ben recently transitioned from a compliance role to a development-focused position at a large multinational pharmaceutical corporation. In his previous role, he ensured that all processes adhered to strict regulatory requirements. This required precision and an eye for detail. Now, as the head of development, his role demands creative, out-of-the-box thinking to drive innovation in pharmaceutical solutions.
The shift in responsibilities has left Ben feeling conflicted. His ingrained compliance mindset—focused on rules and regulations—seems at odds with his new role, which requires out-of-the-box-thinking and experimentation. He has a difficult time finding his way in the new role and unfortunately he often sees himself undermining new ideas instead of welcoming them.
To help Ben navigate this transition, his executive coach introduced him to the SAFE-test Method. But before we’ll dive into Ben’s journey, here is an explanation of the method.
What Is the SAFE Method?
The SAFE-test method provides a tool to evaluate your situation, test solutions and develop strategies that will work in practice. Because mostly you’ll need iteration of new behavior to convince yourself that this new behavior is the one required. As you can in the iterations see that it works for you. Therefor we use this tool with great success as our coaching methodology.
Here’s how you can use the SAFE Method to make clear progress, step by step:
- Analyze Your Situation
Together with your coach, start by evaluating your current circumstances with a critical perspective. By developing situational awareness, you’ll uncover both the challenges and opportunities shaping your decisions. This clarity will help you identify the root causes of your pain points and pave the way for the next step. - Hypothesize a Solution
Next, together in the coaching sessions we can create potential solutions to address your challenges. This phase encourages you to think strategically and develop innovative hypotheses about how to help yourself out of the challenges. All is of course grounded in practical outcomes. - Run SAFE Tests
In this step you’ll together with your coach transform your hypothesis into action by conducting SAFE tests—small, low-risk experiments in your work environment. These tests help you gather actionable feedback, allowing you to adjust your approach based on real-world results. - Extract Insights and Data
After completing your tests, analyze the outcomes to gather valuable insights which you talk about with your coach. Then we can examine if something needs adjustment. This evidence-based approach will guide your decisions and refine your strategies, ensuring they align with your goals.
This cycle of analysis, testing, and learning promotes continuous improvement and keeps your leadership agile and effective.
Would you like the newest knowledge and inspiration sent directly to you?
Then subscribe to our monthly newsletter
Applying the SAFE-test Method to Ben’s Challenge
1. Analysis of Your Situation
Ben began by reflecting on his new responsibilities and identifying the main obstacles. His coach guided him to explore questions like:
- What aspects of my compliance role are helpful in development?
- What specific challenges do I face in adopting an innovative mindset?
- What outcomes am I trying to achieve in my new role?
Through this analysis, Ben realized his strengths in structure and process could provide a unique advantage in development if applied strategically. However, he needed to balance this with flexibility and openness to experimentation.
2. Hypothesis About a Solution
After identifying his challenge, Ben and his coach developed a hypothesis: Integrating structured processes into brainstorming and idea evaluation could foster innovation while maintaining a sense of control.
Ben proposed that applying his compliance expertise to create clear frameworks for ideation and testing might help him to overcome his future need for compliance and make his team innovate while staying aligned with organizational goals.
3. Try It in Your Work Life: Make SAFE Tests
Ben implemented a small experiment within his team. During a brainstorming session for a new drug development initiative, he introduced a structured process:
- The team was encouraged to share bold ideas without constraints.
- After ideation, Ben used his compliance skills to create a simple evaluation framework, assessing ideas based on feasibility, potential impact, and regulatory alignment.
This SAFE test allowed the team to innovate freely while ensuring that the most promising ideas could progress within realistic boundaries.
4. Get Insights and Data
After the session, Ben analyzed the results with his coach. He noticed the structured approach helped his team feel confident in pursuing innovative ideas. Feedback from the team also revealed they appreciated the balance between creativity and clarity.
From this test, Ben gained actionable insights: he could leverage his compliance background as a unique strength while gradually cultivating a more open and innovative mindset.
How the SAFE-test Method Transformed Ben’s Leadership
By applying the SAFE-test Method, Ben successfully navigated the challenges of his new role. He discovered how to blend his structured thinking with the creative demands of development, making him a more effective leader. Over time, the SAFE cycle helped Ben develop resilience, adapt to his new responsibilities, and empower his team to innovate with confidence.
This approach provided him with clarity, actionable feedback, and a roadmap for continuous improvement. Ben now regularly uses SAFE tests to foster a culture of innovation while maintaining alignment with corporate goals.
Key Takeaways for Leaders
The SAFE Method is a powerful tool for leaders like Ben who are navigating complex transitions or just looking to make small improvements. By focusing on situational analysis, hypothesis-driven action, and iterative learning, the framework provides a structured way to foster adaptability.
Whether you’re stepping into a new role, driving organizational change, or striving to improve team performance, the SAFE-test Method offers a clear path to success.
If you want to increase your performance. we’ll be happy to have a chat. You can take a closer look at Gitte as a coach, Josefine as a coach or our Leadership Community.
And remember that we help people in multinational companies developing leadership to realize dreams. If you would like to be updated with new articles and videos, sign up for our mailing list. Your mail is not shared with anyone and there are advantages to being on the list e.g., getting the first chapter of Josefine Campbell’s book, Power Barometer – How to Manage Personal Energy for Business Success.
