Agile management came about due to the realization that middle management was holding workers back more than helping them succeed. What is agile leadership? It is a style of leadership that aims to make employees more productive.
The Benefits of Agile Management
Agile management encourages better business results. It does this while wasting less resources and time. The leadership model empowers teams, helping them tap into their workforce’s complete power.
Companies that operate under this type of leadership are more able to respond to outside factors. An agile approach lets companies visualize ways to improve their business model. It does this by allowing workers to experiment using enhanced products.
Agile management helps leaders be more responsive at every level. It also supports better communication and increases worker confidence. Under an agile management mindset, there are opportunities for continued learning. Employees will also enjoy more autonomy.
The Principles of Agile Leadership
The principles of agile management include:
• Working toward better overall engagement levels
• System improvements
• Working to please every client
• Managing the company’s system instead of workers
• Collaboration
How to Develop an Agile Mindset
One of the most important features of an agile mindset is to realize that there is no black and white. Every decision is based on context. When you are facing uncertainty and changing conditions, you won’t find answers in a leadership book.
It’s important to form a mindset that will direct you toward making decisions that align with your personal values and principles. Agile values inspire managers to collaborate with their teams and empower them to make decisions. As an agile leader, you’ll need to consider failures as chances to learn. You’ll also want to nurture trust and mental security in your company.
Welcome an Agile Company Culture
A company’s culture begins at the top. Leaders are not exempt from the corporate culture. Be the model for your company’s agile culture.
A major part of becoming an agile manager is to develop a positive culture. Make sure that culture invests in the people who operate the company.
Determine What Makes Your Company’s Culture Unique
Companies like Google and Apple have cultures that are unique to them. Other companies are unable to recreate their dynamic because every culture is different.
To ensure that your company’s culture thrives, focus on the people, quality, development and values. Agile managers ask their workers to help them create and build the company’s culture. Ask your workers questions like:
• What does the company value?
• What is the best way to make decisions?
• What is the purpose of the company?
Agile managers develop high-performing teams. These teams are successful in complex and unknown environments. As an agile leader, you’ll need to embrace flexible principles to increase competitiveness.
A High Priority
Many companies are turning to agile leadership. This management model can help a company’s leadership team form fresh mindsets. Agile managers help companies move quicker, push innovation and adapt to a changing atmosphere. For guidance on developing your agile management skills, contact me at the Productivity Intelligence Institute.
