Build Leadership Agility: Why Command-and-Control Will Kill Agility

Leadership is often the deciding factor in whether an organization succeeds or struggles in its agility journey. Yet, many organizations cling to command-and-control leadership styles, believing that tighter oversight leads to better outcomes. It doesn’t. If you want to derail your agility initiative, keep using command-and-control leadership. To thrive in an agile environment, leadership must … Read more

Book Recommendation: “Turn the Ship Around!: A True Story of Turning Followers into Leaders”

One of my all-time favorite reads on business agility and leadership is “Turn the Ship Around!” by L. David Marquet. This book brilliantly chronicles the true story of how Marquet, a former nuclear submarine commander, transformed the USS Santa Fe from one of the worst-performing submarines in the fleet to one of the best. Thankfully, … Read more

Tom Peters: 20 Years Later – A Visionary Still Leading the Charge

June 2015 marks 20 years since I had the privilege of meeting Tom Peters in London, during his visit to the pioneering Usability Group at Reuters. A select few of us invited to attend his conference, which brought the book to life. At the time, our virtual Reuters team was at the forefront of transforming … Read more

Leading with Integrity: Balancing Ethics and Profit in Agile Environments

In the fast-paced world of Agile and agility, leaders often face the challenge of balancing ethical considerations with the drive for profit and performance. As we navigate this complex landscape, it’s crucial to remember that running a responsible business goes beyond financial success—it encompasses a strong ethical framework, sustainable practices, and a commitment to stakeholder … Read more

The 7 Ps for Agile Leaders: Applying Military Wisdom to Drive Success

In the world of Agile leadership, where change is constant and complexity is the norm, lessons from unexpected sources can provide powerful insights. One such lesson comes from the military, where the 7 Ps are a well-known adage: “Proper Prior Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance.” This straightforward yet profound principle emphasizes the importance of preparation … Read more

Got Yourself a Mountain of a Problem

While on my honeymoon in New Zealand last month, I captured this breathtaking view of a perfectly conical volcano on the North Island. It reminded me of a valuable life and work lesson: even the most daunting challenges can be conquered one step at a time. Mountains, like problems, can feel insurmountable from a distance. … Read more