Schriftmarke der Nerd Reoublic. Die Beratung für New Work und Agilität.

What actually is agility? More than just a buzzword?

What defines an agile company and how do you become one? The phenomenon can quickly lead to confusion, and give the impression that it might just be a new trend or another buzzword. This article is intended to help create a basis after which hopefully everyone will have understood what agility actually is and why it is so important for companies.

Definition of agility

Agility is a term that is often used in relation to the world of work. It is derived from the Latin word ‘agilis’, which means agile, quick and skilful. In the corporate context, being agile therefore refers to an organisation’s ability to react quickly and effectively to change and adapt to new circumstances. It can manifest itself in various ways, such as the ability to develop new products or services quickly or to optimise processes. In addition, agile business organisation can also include a company’s ability to react quickly to customer needs or market trends.

Agile working is based on four basic principles:

  • Individuals and interactions over processes and tools
  • Working software over comprehensive documentation
  • Customer collaboration over contract negotiation
  • Responding to change over following a plan

These principles are set out in the so-called Agile Manifesto, a collection of values and principles for agile software development.

Why should my company become agile?

Today’s world is characterised by a fast pace. New developments are emerging at a rapid pace, which means that uncertainties and risks are also increasing. Companies that are agile have a better chance of remaining competitive and adapting to new circumstances. They work and act faster, which is a considerable advantage, especially in crisis situations. Agile companies are also able to react quickly to customer needs and adapt to changing market conditions.

By using agility to improve sales results, companies can achieve higher profits and market share. By streamlining processes and optimising marketing strategies, they can increase the sales rate of their products or services while reducing shipping or manufacturing costs. In addition, by using agile tools, you can better understand your customers’ needs and wants before trying to sell them something else.

How can my company become agile?

Obviously, there is no single formula for making a company agile. Agility is a continuous process that is orientated towards the individual needs and goals of the company. Nevertheless, there are some steps that organisations can take to become more agile:

  1. Define a clear vision and goals: A clear vision and goals give the company direction and help with decision-making. They should be short-term and long-term and make the company’s progress measurable.
  2. Establish flexible processes and structures: Agile processes and structures enable the company to react and adapt quickly to changes. This includes, for example, the introduction of agile methods such as Scrum or Kanban.
  3. Promote a culture of agility: An agile culture relies on people working together, promoting learning and the ability to adapt to change. This also includes the willingness to allow mistakes and learn from them.
  4. Empower and support employees: Agility requires a high degree of responsibility and initiative from employees. Companies should therefore empower and support their employees by giving them the necessary resources and freedom.
  5. Keep customer needs in focus: Agile companies are able to react quickly to customer needs and adapt to changing market conditions. This also includes regularly incorporating customer feedback into the decision-making process.

Moreover, external experts can assist with introducing agility into the company. Some examples include:

  • The Agile Coach: An Agile Coach is a person who supports the company in introducing and implementing agility. They can assist with selecting the right agile methods, introducing agile processes and structures, and training employees.
  • Agile Consulting: Agile consulting firms offer support for introducing agility within the company. They can assist with selecting suitable agile methods, implementing agile processes and structures, and training employees.
  • Agile Training: There are many training courses and certifications in the field of agility that can support companies in adopting agile practices. Examples include Scrum Master certification or the use of the SAFe® framework.

It is important to note that agility is a continuous process, and companies must constantly work on their processes and structures to remain agile. There is no “done” when it comes to agility.

Related posts

Leave the first comment