Here's Why Your Team Needs Agility Training

agility

Is agility one of the buzz words zooming around your company these days? Everyone agrees they need to have it. Hardly anyone agrees on how to get it.

A new study from The TRACOM Group defined agility as, “the capacity to recognize, create and capitalize on opportunities in a world full of disruptive change.” The definition confirms we're all faced with constant disruption. To survive, our leaders and team members must be able to react to change and develop new ideas.

The vast majority of senior executives who participated in The TRACOM Group’s study agreed that agility is key to survival. The research showed that people in the vice president and directors-​level positions generally have the most agility – 81 percent. Interestingly, only 69% of c‑suite executives are generally seen as being agile.

These same folks are relying on training professionals to develop the agility skill in staff members. Unfortunately, the training effort isn’t trickling down through the organization. Fewer than half of surveyed companies have agility training programs in place.

Analysts linked the lack of agility training to two problems. One problem is lack of budget. The second problem is more alarming. Companies don’t know where to start with respect to agility training. They either don’t know which company provides the best materials on the topic or they are having trouble coming up with their own materials.

Part of the problem stems from identifying which specific skills relate to agility. Here's what TRACOM’s research revealed:

  • Comfortable with the risk of failure
  • Capable of influencing others to support new ideas
  • Ability to respond effectively when conditions change

Analysts also point out that agile individuals “challenge themselves and those around them to be better and do better.” They also challenge the status quo.

You don't have to conquer the ability problem at your organization all at once. You could start by challenging your team members to generate new ideas during ideation sessions. When you’re ready to officially commit to improving agility, allocate a budget for training and start enrolling your employees in formal sessions.