Agility

By Charles Scott
The word “agility” has become a buzz word in these times of economic challenge for America. Those who can think quickly and move with agility will be able to find and sustain success in spite of problematic situations. Lee Colan speaks on what he calls FS2:

Flexibility – The leader must stretch their mind and thinking patterns. The leader must define what subjects are rigid and which are flexible. The leader’s mind and thought process must be likened to a work-out gym: many tools that have an individual purpose to build the thinking capacity.

Strength – Colan writes, “Regardless of the whirlwind of changing circumstances around you, continue to strengthen yourself and your team.”

Speed – The best way to quicken your decision making skills is to get prepared spiritually through prayer, study and analysis. Generally speaking the 80/20 rule holds true for leaders in a decision making situation: the leader will in all likelihood not have all the facts. A good rule of thumb is that if you have 80% of the facts and you have prepared yourself through spiritual disciplines you can make a good decision. Colan states that there are four steps in this process:

1. Identify the top 5 pieces of information you need and decide which four of these are highest in priority;
2. Next, identify the outcomes from the alternatives placed before you;
3. Harness your advisory team and listen to their advice;
4. Make a decision!

Colan concludes by reminding leaders how necessary it is to build an agile team. A strong team sees no obstacle as too big. A strong team is able to see creative solutions to overcome big problems. We may face big problems but we have a bigger God!