Business Agility Foundations - IC Agile

In this lesson, we'll learn that:

1. Understanding the ‘WHY’ is critical for motivation, alignment and adaptation.

2. Vision guides your strategic direction, purpose defines why you exist.

3. Compelling visions can play a huge part in an organisations long-term impact.

Here’s a simple method to quickly create a vision statement for your team. Have a go at doing this for your team, your project, or whatever feels most relevant to you. Start by answering these four questions:

1. What is your core purpose?

2. What are your long-term goals?

3. What is the impact you want to make on the world?

4. What do you value as an organisation?

Now add them together into one sentence. It will read something like this:

• "Our core purpose is to … which we will do by achieving … because the impact we want to make on the world is… and we will do this whilst upholding our values of… “

In this lesson we'll learn that:

1. Successful teams have clear direction that they are being guided by.

2. Agile is not the goal, but it is a method to achieving business outcome.

3. Big picture focus helps organisations know when to pivot versus stay on the same path.

Now we’re going to apply a technique to envision the future, and reflect on the path to business agility in your context. We’ll use a coaching model called GROW, which was created by Sir John Whitmore (Coaching for Performance). You first establish the Goal, then assess your current Reality. Next, you explore Options to bridge the gap, and finally, decide on the option you’re Willing to pursue. On your own, make some notes on the following questions:

1. GOAL: What would great Business Agility look like in your organisation?

2. REALITY: What does Agility look like currently?

3. OPTIONS: What would help your organisation make progress towards doing Business Agility well?

4. WILL: What do you want to take forward?

We’re now going to apply two tools for increasing understanding of, and empathy with customers, and distinguish the context when to use which tools. For the two tools below, have a go at completing these for your team, project or relevant context:

1. Stakeholder Map: This tool helps us understand the influence and interests of different stakeholders. This understanding can guide decision-making, communication strategies, and change management initiatives, ensuring that all stakeholders’ needs are considered and addressed.

2. Customer Value Map: This tool allows us to identify what customers truly value, enabling us to prioritise our efforts and resources to deliver maximum value. This alignment with customer expectations can lead to increased customer satisfaction, loyalty, and ultimately, business success.