16 Agile Principles Every Company Should Live By Posted on : Jul 11 - 2020

Agile principles, sometimes simply referred to as “agile,” are guidelines that prioritize adaptability and efficiency in the workplace. Agile management is typically implemented (and is often necessary) in tech businesses, but it can apply to a number of industries.

Agile methodology includes a set of guiding practices and principles that can improve your company’s operations, specifically with respect to productivity and flexibility. Below, a panel of Forbes Business Council members share agile principles any company should live by and why they’re useful.

1. Simplicity

The main agile principle I believe should be a focus is simplicity. We all tend to get caught up in things, which frequently overcomplicates processes. Finding the simplest yet most effective way will be part of our “new normal.” - Josee Larocque Patton, The HR ICU

2. Continuous Feedback

An agile software principle states, “deliver frequently.” Engineers need feedback early and frequently. When managers give and get timely feedback, it enhances performance and boosts capacity. Feedback supports continuous improvement with the agile loop of ask, deliver, ask again and improve. - Eric Kaufmann, Sagatica

3. Empathy

Show empathy and thoughtfulness towards internal employees the same way you do towards customers. This means recognizing the journey your employees take in engaging with managers, HR, finance and other internal functions and removing the friction. This “customer happiness” approach is how an organization builds trust, energy and positive morale both internally and with clients. - Raazi Imam, Sia Partners

4. True Service

Leaders add value by serving others. Therefore, company culture—one in which the employees are listened to, supported, trusted and motivated—provides success for the company. Leaders need to interact with intention. Quality leaders care and treat their employees well. As a leader, ask yourself if are you making it better for the people who are following you. - Renee Schafer, Data Security Inc.

5. Failing Fast

Failure is most costly when it follows heavy investments of time and money. The key is to design experiments to test hypotheses quickly, balancing the desire to comprehensively consider a strategy with the desire to minimize investment. Beyond economics, this strategy has an emotional benefit too. Fast failure is much less heartbreaking than slow failure! - Missy Narula, Exhale Parent View More