Things have changed so much in the past few decades. Most of the old rules no longer apply. That means that more business leaders need to embrace change and start becoming more open to other ideas.
Some business leaders like to stick to the “good-old” fashioned handbook. That will only work to a certain degree. It is similar to comparing book learning to street learning.
“There is only so much you can learn at school. As Gandalf says, “life is not in your books and maps. It is out there.”
Business leaders need to have an equal share of book learning and street-smarts learning. That is going to require going outside of their comfort zone to get the job done.
The Benefits of Agile Leadership
1. You can start by embracing your staff more than you already do. Many of them have some good ideas. You just have to be open to addressing those ideas. Some employees might be intimidated about sharing an idea because of how you may respond. Talk to your team.
Ask them if they have ideas they want to share. Your team will share their ideas if they know you are open to them. Part of being agile is being open to something other than what comes out of your mouth and head.
It is time to get out of your head and get into the conversation.
2. Do you know what you want to accomplish with your business model? Do you know where you are going and how you want to get there?
“The only way to know where you are going is to have a solid foundation of where you have been.”
You need to have a vision. Is there someone on your team who can help bring the dream to fruition? Start talking to them. Your employees will respect you more when you take the time to ask them for their opinion.
3. You need to think in a long-term way. You have to start thinking internationally or nationally, depending on your business brand. You might not be able to think globally right now. You could, at least, think outside of the local community. The more you impact with your message, the more chances you have.
4. Sometimes you start to see things in the same light. Sometimes you need a new set of eyes. Start looking outside your normal circle of planning and personnel.
A Mixed Metaphor of Sorts
I am using the analogy of how Elton met his husband David as a metaphorical example. One night Elton was tired of hanging around with the same group of friends. He told one friend to bring some new people. One of the new people was his future husband, David. That was in 1993. They have been together ever since.
The point is, Elton would not be where he is now, personally, had he not made that choice. The same rules apply to your business. Sometimes you have to ask one of your staff to bring over a friend for dinner. It is only then you can tap into something new.
1. You want to stay agile with your company. Start taking care of your mind, body, and soul. You are going to run dry of ideas every so often. Start doing some meditation. Keep your mind open and clear. It is only then the new ideas can start pouring in.
You should also get outside for some exercise and fresh air. Taking in the fresh air can help improve your creativity. Sometimes being cooped up in the office all day can have dramatic results. Get some fresh air. Do some walking or running. The more agile your body is, the more agile the rest of you will be.
2. I spoke about millennials on my last page. There is something to be said for taking a page from a millennial playbook. Millennials are not caged in by the old rules. They do not like to use them.
They prefer to bring new and innovative ideas to the table, including technological advancements and social media platforms. They are not afraid to fail, and you should not be, either.
Sometimes, to make an omelet, you do have to break a few eggs. Knowing your limits is vital. However, pushing through those limits becomes even more vital. You cannot be afraid to take chances in business. Taking chances is what will set you apart on the global stage. Would you rather be ordinary? Would you rather be extraordinary?
The choice is yours.
Call-To-Action
Find out how Scrum Alliance can help you create business benefits of agile leadership by clicking https://www.scrumalliance.org/
