Agile as a Business Strategy
Beyond the Manifesto
By Susan Kuehl
Many have heard the term “Agile” over the past years. Agile emerged in the early 2000s as an alternative to the traditional management styles made famous in the Industrial Age. In 2001, a group of software developers released the Agile Manifesto. Since that time, Agile has become the gold standard in software development. Yet, where it could help more widely—as a standard business practice—it hasn't been adopted as the norm.
At Consilio, we believe that Agile is not only for software and technology organizations but an overarching leadership style that focuses on people, not process. Ultimately, we believe that adopting an Agile method across your business will bring a new way of thinking that makes it easier for you to put people first and to achieve more than you thought possible.
Agile focuses on leaders who are there to serve their team. Their only role is to remove roadblocks and foster growth and efficiency, rather than "manage" people. The core competencies around creating an Agile team include:
Fail fast, fail often: Constantly readjust the communication style, process speed, and strategic thinking, or you will not achieve success quickly, if at all.
Agile communication is face-to-face, brief, and to the point. Avoid email if you can get up and walk or connect with a co-worker for a 1:1 conversation.
Individuals over interactions: No matter what problem you are facing, it's always a people problem. It is critical to learn to respect the opinions of those outside your immediate circle.
Respond to change: If the plan isn't working, reformulate in real-time and adjust accordingly.
Welcome change: Don't stick to a way of thinking purely out of principle. Seek out and embrace change. Agile cannot thrive in an environment that is not trust-based. The quickest way to build trust is through the adaptation of a strengths-based culture where each individual becomes aware of their strengths and that of those around them, and their team's dynamic.
Wrapping transparency around these strengths and team practices allows each person to appreciate strengths, and as such, apply them in a strategic, balanced, and efficient manner.