How to achieve Ultimate Agility?

In reaction on the Era of Big Transitions we currently live in, many organizations are reinventing themselves as we speak.  How can we survive?  Or rephrased more positive: How can we turn this threat into a unique chance? Most organizations start with this journey by redesigning their culture, way of work and organizational structure.  But are these building blocks not too rigid and too slow to change?

In my opinion, we should be seeking for smaller building blocks. For example in nature, the smallest building blocks are atoms. Of course, we can’t go back to atoms for redefining the most ideal building blocks for an Agile Organization. But for now, imagine people in organizations are like molecules forming the organization. Small, but not the smallest. But as we can observe almost every day, people are often not that agile at all. We love what we have and don’t like change. But is this really true? Is this not just our behavior which makes us feel comfortable?  Do we unconsciously as human beings, somehow share deeper needs and values and different types of interaction? Referring to nature’s metaphor again: where are our atoms, our smallest building blocks? This question challenged my mind for quite a while. Until last month.  As Agile Coaches we went on a Aikido Ki Workshop to experience the physical and mental side of resistance and cooperation. In Japanese martial art, this Material Energy or Life Force is called “Ki”.  By respecting and connecting with the “Ki” of another person, you will be able to take away the resistance of the opponent.   I’ll bet, this all will sound hazy to the most of you, but it’s actually quite easy to experience.

What to do with this almost spiritual blogpost?

As long as we focus primarily on our personal interest, we will never achieve the purest form of Agility and cooperation. We’re on earth as one collective organism, whether we like it or not, all with one goal: making this world a bit better iteratively.  By Learning, Inspecting and Adapting. Together.  This is where our evolution (read: agile) is all about. It’s like creating an Internet of People.  It all starts with making real connection with the people around us.  Somehow that’s where it becomes very hard for most Western minds. On the other hand, it’s so logical for us we should create an Internet of Things as the next big step for our prosperity. Food for Thought. Don’t you think?