In an increasingly dynamic business landscape, the ability to adapt and pivot swiftly – organizational agility – is no longer just an advantage; it’s a necessity. Understanding and applying the principles of agility can drive innovation, enhance productivity, and foster competitive advantage. We delve into three significant steps to create flexibility in an organization below.
Establish the Right Team
“You need the right people to put together the strategy and tactics,” (Forbes) Organizational flexibility begins with people. Building an agile team starts with attracting and retaining individuals who are flexible, adaptable, and comfortable with change. This does not merely refer to skillsets but also attitudes and mindsets. You also have to ensure you have the right people in the right roles – put them in places they can excel.
Analyze Company Framework
Agility is also about systems and processes, in addition to people. To see how yours are working, you need to analyze the company framework. This entails actively assessing and critically evaluating current business processes, structures, and systems to pinpoint areas ripe for streamlining or enhancement, strategically aimed at fostering and enabling agility. Consider leveraging existing methodologies to promote flexibility.
Give Feedback
Feedback is the fuel for agility. Regular, constructive feedback allows for continuous learning and improvement, which are essential for maintaining agility. It’s crucial to establish a culture where feedback, both positive and negative, is valued and acted upon. Feedback should be a two-way street. Brene Brown’s Daring Leadership provides a great roadmap on how to achieve this.
Creating agility in an organization is a journey, not a destination. It involves building the right team, analyzing, and improving the company framework, and nurturing a culture that values feedback. By implementing these steps, organizations can build a dynamic and adaptable environment that’s primed for success in today’s fast-paced business world.