Ten Agile axioms that make conventional managers anxious

Abstract

Purpose

While the principles of Agile management are simple, the implementation of the actual “Laws of Agile” is daunting to managers trained in the traditions and culture of hierarchical management. This article offers a context for the three laws.

Design/methodology/approach

Implementing Agile requires fostering a mindset that is fundamentally different from traditional preoccupations with profit maximization and hierarchical authority.

Findings

Agile is about generating instant, intimate, frictionless, low-risk, incremental value at scale. That’s the new performance requirement.

Practical implications

A growing number of companies, including those that have embraced the Agile mindset, believe the true purpose of a firm is to create customers and establish a sustainable relationship with them.

Originality/value

For leaders and managers this article offers radical insights. In an Agile organization, talent discovers strategic opportunities. Talent drives strategy. When the whole organization truly embraces Agile, instead of a steady state machine, the organization becomes an organic living network of high-performance teams. 10;

Citation

Denning, S. (2020), "Ten Agile axioms that make conventional managers anxious", Strategy & Leadership, Vol. 46 No. 5, pp. 10-16. https://doi.org/10.1108/SL-06-2018-0061