Agility - the ability to think, understand and move quickly
Another year begins.. As usual, the business media is full of predictions, challenges, developments and ‘key trends’ for the coming decade but the last two have taught us that things can take a totally unexpected and unpredictable turn that reshapes the environment in which organisations operate.
There is no certainty.
We entered the new millennium full of optimism then 9/11 created geo-political shifts that we are still feeling today. The post-crash 2010’s could not foresee Britain’s decision to leave the European Union and as we enter the 20’s it’s not clear how that will play out. Thus, the need to build flexible organisations, for leadership to be alert and focused, and the need for cross-company and cross-industry collaboration is greater than ever.
Business agility refers to distinct qualities that allow organisations to respond rapidly to changes in the internal and external environment without losing momentum or vision. Adaptability, flexibility and balance are three qualities essential to long-term business agility.
It enables organisations to innovate and deliver more effectively adapting their structures to rapidly deliver products and services, innovate ahead of market changes, and grow leaders that can effectively support this.
Today’s strategies need to reflect this and require constant review. Strategy is not a fixed state – something developed once every few years and then filed away. It requires review, mid-course corrections that adapt and respond to changes without losing sight of the organisation’s vision and goals.
The environment facing organisations in the 2020’s has it’s known challenges; climate change, sustainability, industry4.0 and increasing protectionism. Many organisations will already have, or be in the process of developing, strategies to address these in their particular sectors. It’s the unpredictable and unforeseen challenges that require organisations to embrace agility as a mindset and state-of-being and not just a process to install.
At Aurora North we run workshops to help leadership teams navigate the changing landscape enabling them to look to the future, to build a strong capability of sensing and responding to change, and to drive innovation and disruption.
Welcome to 2024
