Embracing flexibility
Change is inevitable in today’s fast-paced business environment. Whether responding to market shifts, adopting new technologies, or implementing organizational improvements, leading improvements effectively is critical for business success. However, traditional change management models used by many, such as ADKAR, Lewin’s Change Management Model, and others, were developed before the rise of agile methodologies. As such, they are not well-suited to address the complexities and uncertainties of modern business environments.
“I cannot say whether things will get better if we change;
what I can say is they must change if they are to get better.”
– Georg C. Litchenberg, professor during the 18th century
Agile versus traditional models
Traditional change management models typically follow a linear, step-by-step approach, heavily emphasising planning and control. While these models have their merits, they can be rigid and inflexible, making them ill-suited for navigating change in today’s dynamic world. In contrast, agile methodologies advocate for flexibility, adaptability, and continuous improvement. By embracing agile principles such as iterative planning, continuous feedback, and empowered cross-functional genius teams, organizations can respond more effectively to change and uncertainty.
Iterative planning
One of the key principles of agile improvement leadership is iterative planning. Instead of developing a detailed change plan upfront and sticking to it rigidly, agile teams break the improvements initiative into small, manageable chunks called iterations. Each iteration involves planning, executing, and reviewing a small portion of the improvement, allowing teams to adapt and adjust their approach based on feedback from users (internal or external customers) and emerging insights. This iterative approach enables organizations to respond more quickly to external and internal changes and course correct as needed.
What distinguishes agile improvements is the flexibility to adapt,
learn and improve continuously throughout the improvement journey.
Continuous feedback
In traditional change management models, the most vital feedback (the customers) often comes at the end of the change process after the plan has been fully implemented. In contrast, agile improvement leadership emphasizes continuous feedback throughout the improvement journey. By soliciting feedback early and often from stakeholders, teams can identify potential obstacles and course corrections before they become significant issues. This continuous feedback loop fosters a culture of collaboration and learning, enabling organizations to adapt and evolve in response to changing circumstances.
Fast and continuous feedback is crucial to adapt and evolve
in response to changing circumstances.
Empowered cross-functional genius teams
Another hallmark of agile improvement leadership is the empowerment of teams. In traditional change management models, change is often driven from the top down, with executives dictating the direction and pace of change. In contrast, agile improvement leadership empowers cross-functional genius teams to take ownership of the improvement process and make decisions autonomously. By empowering teams to experiment, innovate, and adapt, organizations can tap into the collective intelligence and creativity of their employees, driving more effective and sustainable improvements. However, this doesn´t mean top executives lose control; it is quite the contrary. By applying tools like Agile Budgeting and OKRs, managers can gain better control and minimize risk at the same time as they utilize more of their organisation’s potential.
By applying agile tools such as OKRs, Agile Budgeting, and MVPs at all organizational levels, managers can empower their workers while gaining better financial control and minimizing risk.
Established a guiding coalition
Driving improvements with cross-functional genius teams can further enhance the effectiveness of change efforts. This is sometimes called a Guiding Coalition. Establishing a guiding coalition is essential for driving improvements effectively. This coalition comprises key stakeholders and leaders who are committed to the improvement initiative and have both the knowledge and the authority to remove blockers promptly. By proactively identifying and addressing obstacles, the guiding coalition ensures that improvment efforts remain on track and that teams have the support they need to succeed.
A guiding coalitions main purpose is to:
Enable fast improvements through identifying value delivery and remove blockers hindering progress.
Key takeaways
In conclusion, embracing flexibility is critical in the disruptive and unpredictable world we live in. Leading improvements “the agile way” requires a departure from traditional, linear approaches towards a more flexible and adaptive mindset. By embracing agile principles and establishing a guiding coalition and cross-functional genius teams, organizations can navigate change more effectively in today’s dynamic environment. As the pace of change continues to accelerate, agile improvement leadership offers a roadmap for success in an uncertain world.
Reflection:
Are you currently working with Agile budgeting, OKRs and Iterative small batch delivers?
Would you like to learn more about how to lead change in a more cost-effective way?
