Agile Thinking: the secret weapon that (hardly) anyone knows about

What is Agile Thinking and why should you implement it in your organisation?

By: Serge Janssen Daalen, 27 May 2023

In the quest for business success, there is one secret weapon that only a few (‘the smart Entrepreneurs’) seem to know: Agile Thinking. Smart Entrepreneurs are gaining momentum by thinking radically differently, while competitors remain stuck in traditional thinking patterns. The choice is: either stay in stagnant patterns and get stuck, or switch to Agile Thinking.

Agile Thinking is not just a buzzword, it is a completely different approach in the way we do business. Agile Thinking is all about flexibility, adaptability and the ability to respond to change quickly.

What is Agile?

Agile, in a literal sense, means adaptability or agility. Agile Work is a process in which ‘agility’, or flexibility, is key. In an organisation where people work Agile, everyone is aware that circumstances change and the business systems, work processes and employees are (in) adjusted accordingly. The goal of Agile Thinking and Agile Work is that all teams and everyone within your company become and remain Agile.

How does Agile Thinking work?

So Agile is a way of thinking, where we learn to look at the same thing(s) differently and we continue to learn and develop continuously. This means overview, clarity, openness, transparency, giving and receiving feedback, but above all flexibility. In Agile Thinking, different departments or teams in the company are in constant contact with each other, and the customer. With the help of Agile Tools, the customer is consistently informed about the status of a project. If a change is needed, it can be implemented quickly. Everyone ‘moves along’ with the changed conditions.

What is the strength of Agile Thinking?

The power of Agile Thinking is being able to anticipate change more effectively and faster. With Agile Thinking and Agile Working, there will be a continuous alignment with the customer. You are constantly asking for- and receiving feedback. You get a deeper and deeper understanding of the customer’s specific goals. With Agile Working, there is a clear distinction of roles and employees will be given and take responsibility. People really feel involved in a project and will function more independently. The fear of making mistakes and being judged slowly disappears.

The benefits:

• Being able to react and respond faster, more efficiently and better to your customers’ needs and expectations;
• Quicker and better anticipation to changes, both internal and external;
• Improved cooperation within your company;
• Improved communication with clients, within teams and in projects;
• Motivated and independent employees;
• Saving time, costs and work.