As a leader, you might be naturally inclined to make things as simple, streamlined and straightforward as possible. You have a gift for seeing the big picture and for being able to paint meaningful representations of your vision with broad strokes. Your employees surely appreciate your ability to convey your organization’s mission in this way because it helps them focus on what is necessary to achieve success. However, you have probably noticed that the farther we travel into the hyper-connected, high-tech modern business world, the more difficult it is to keep things simple.

Our world is becoming increasingly complex. Technology has played a significant role, but globalization, regulation and a host of other factors have also contributed to greater levels of complexity in business. Additionally, the speed with which business transactions are expected to happen these days is light years ahead of the pace we all became accustomed to as we began to rise through the ranks

Leaders need to understand and embrace the ever-increasing complexity of modern business. They cannot be successful by trying to implement backward-looking strategies. They cannot lead effectively by ignoring rapid advances in technology and communication. And they undoubtedly cannot achieve their organizations' missions by stubbornly insisting on doing things a certain way for the sake of tradition.

If you are a leader, you have to adapt to the nature of modern business with an eye on the future. You have to be smart and demonstrate a capacity for continuous learning, and most of all, you have to be agile. ‍

What Does it Mean to Be Agile in Business?‍

In an organizational sense, agility describes the ability to respond quickly and nimbly by adapting to changes in the market and-or the environment in a manner that retains and enhances productivity and overall effectiveness.

For leaders, agility means being able to guide their organizations through ever-accelerating changes and increases in uncertainty, volatility, and complexity. They must embody and personify the values that they want their teams and organizations to exemplify through turbulent times. And they must develop a “sixth sense” that allows them to anticipate changes quickly with an ability to respond with focus, flexibility, and speed.

Agile leaders are not afraid to tap into their creativity, and they know how to think outside the box when innovative solutions are required. They don't waste time mulling over decisions or making difficult choices—they understand that the ability to take quick, decisive action is a precious commodity.

Agile leaders also know how to communicate masterfully. They understand how to engage employees and other stakeholders. They listen actively, and they ask great questions. Agile leaders are never satisfied with the status quo; they thrive on being challenged, and they understand that the most challenging problems are those that promise the most meaningful rewards, once solved.

Do you have what it takes to be an agile leader in increasingly complex times? I believe you do! It just takes a willingness to adapt and a desire to do what’s necessary to excel through the complexity times.

4 Tips for Improving Your Leadership Agility

#1 — Become a Master of Observation
Agile leadership requires constant learning and adapting. You cannot go through the motions with blinders on; you have to be aware of what’s happening around you. Pay attention to what people are saying and how they present themselves with their body language. Be mindful of the mood in the office. Actively look for inspiration everywhere—this means paying attention to people outside the workplace, too. The modern business environment rewards creativity and innovation, so expand your observation to include the pieces of wisdom and excellent ideas that come from other areas of your life.

#2 — Keep Strengthening Your Skills and Sharpening Your Knowledge
Becoming more agile isn’t just about learning new skills and techniques; it means strengthening and sharpening your existing skill set. Revisit your core skills and areas of knowledge and pay attention to those aspects of yourself that may have become a bit rusty over time. Regardless of the increasing complexity of the world around you, confidence always equates to effective leadership. Therefore, you need to keep exercising the muscles that allowed you to reach your current level of leadership.

#3 — Surrender to Your Intuition
These days you cannot afford to overanalyze and perform endless research before making decisions. You have to be able to trust your gut and follow your heart. Your intuition will guide you, but you should listen to understand what it's telling you. Be aware of the steps you take in your decision-making process. Are you always arriving at the place your intuition told you to go in the first place? If so, you can streamline your process and rely more on your intuition to guide your decisions.

#4 — Build Teams Made Up of Agile Individuals
The people who surround you should be able to support and complement your efforts when it comes to operating with greater agility. Look around you and notice how the people on your teams function. Are they stuck in rigid patterns of behaviour and workflow? Or do they display the ability to work flexibly and productively through a wide range of changes and challenges? The fact is that you probably have a combination of these types of people on your team. Work with the more rigid types to improve their flexibility. Assure them that their ability to operate effectively within a simple, defined structure is valuable, but challenge them to become more adept at hitting curveballs. At the same time, nurture the skills of those on your team who demonstrate an evident ability to operate with agility. They can increase your collective potential tremendously, and they represent the next generation of leadership for you to develop within your organization.

Need More Help with Leadership Agility?

I hope this advice is helpful to you during these complex times. Of course, these are just a few useful tips; becoming a genuinely agile leader takes practice, time and commitment and it's always nice to have a helpful hand to coach and guide you.

If you are curious about how you can improve your leadership agility, or if you’re wondering how you can make the leaders within your organization more agile, I would love to talk with you! Send me an email at joanne.trotta@leadersedgeinc.ca.

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