AgileTHIS

During the last two years of economic crisis, more and more companies seek out new ways of rationalization. Some organisations go agile to reduce vaste and maximize value for the limited budgets – but only a few others seek out new types of leadership – The innovative leader – The leader of tomorrow.

Inspired by Philip Kotler, the grand old man of strategic marketing, some characteristics of the new leader-type is forming. These characteristics are a product from years of observations in organisations that exists in a chaotic world, and they tie really nicely into an agile world…

“Be paranoid!” – Due to the excellerated globalization in the world today, where borders of independent countries are blurring, and the need for collaboration across these old boundries are getting bigger and bigger each day, the new leader must set aside ressources for a constant monitoring of the trends in their surroundings. By doing this the new leader must be even closer to his or hers productionline and development – and know the process the organisation is using by hand!

“The weatherman!” – The leader has to be able to forecast both positive and negative scenarios of their world and products – and implement some kind of warning system. Thats why it is so important to have the new leader close when doing the release-planning – They know the trends, and which tasks or stories should be made next – They know how to forecast a release and see when it’s due – What should we take in and out to keep that duedate – and be realistic about it!!! Wouldn’t a crossed deadline be ok, if value was much higher and the customer had knowledge about it all the time? FORECAST FORECAST FORECAST

“Be proactive!” – Seek the changes instead of just reading or hearing about it! The new leader is willing to learn by doing – even if it will take time and some fall-backs – Thats the whole idea of a retrospective – Learn from the mistakes and grow! Get better – Get stronger – Win over your competitors!

“Stop censorship!” – The new leader MUST remove filters and censorship in the communication internally and externally. Social media is here to stay, and the new leader should use it as an advantage not an enemy! Used the right way, social media is free advertising and mindsharing!

“Be open!” – All ideas are good – PERIOD! It might be that the idea the misplaced in timing, but no idea or surgestion should be declined upfront – even ideas from people junior or “below” the new leader should be heard, kept and perhaps stored away until timing is better.

“Little things are often the way…” – …to make your employees happier, more innovative – more productive. Take them out for dinner – go bowling – When was the last time YOU did something for your team? They are doing something for you every day!

“Dont go into denial!” – At some point your strategy will be old and not functioning well enough – be ready for that. And be ready for the new hotshot guy or woman, who are better than you – Hey, they wished to work for you – not against you. So stop competing with them and be open to their approach – you might learn something and even have some fun being the new leader of tomorrow!

You can read more about Philip Kotler here -> http://www.kotlermarketing.com/ And if you get the chance hearing Philip Kotler speak – do that!

Thank you for reading!
Chris.