It is precisely because of this inability to predict results of search processes in a particular time frame, or with set resources, that intrapreneurs and innovators struggle discussing with CEOs and CFOs of companies that are in exploitation mode. When engaging in search processes, one must be aware that the efficiency of this search process is not the right metric to measure success.

If search requires trial-and-error, then every error is in fact a decrease in efficiency of using resources to achieve a particular result. Error, however, is then a necessary investment to become effective.

If you would be able to have 100% resource efficiency in search processes (you engage in a particular action and you get the desired outcome), then you are either just lucky, or there was no reason to search or explore in the first place. If you know how to do something with 100% efficiency, you must have known how effort leads to results, and so you were in execution mode, not search mode.

The Lean Startup is not efficient, because it is not professional. If you don’t make perfect products, how could you ever have any outcome that can lead to success?