Agility and learning may seem like two different concepts, but they share a common thread. Both require a willingness to adapt and change. In this article, we explore what agility and learning have in common.
What do we mean by agility and learning?
As Simon Powers explains, Agile is a mindset shift. “It is… changing what is in people’s heads. It changes the way we think and interact. This takes time, as it’s incremental. It can’t be done all at once. This is why it takes so long. It takes time to change the way people are.”
This shift to agility enables an organisation to respond to and succeed in an increasingly volatile and complex world.
Learning, of course, is the process of acquiring new knowledge and skills.
At first glance, these two concepts may not appear to have much in common. However, when we take a closer look, we can see that they are intertwined.
What do agility and learning have in common?
To be truly agile, one must be willing to learn. This means being open to new ideas and approaches and being willing to experiment and try new things. The same is true for learning. To be an effective learner, one must be willing to adapt and change in response to new information and feedback.
Agility and learning also share a common trait – they both require practice. To become more agile, you need to cultivate and grow your agile mindset by respecting your team members, and encouraging innovation and improvement. Similarly, to become a better learner, you need to practice your critical thinking skills, your ability to absorb information, and your willingness to ask questions and seek feedback.
Finally, agility and learning both require a growth mindset. This means believing that your abilities and skills can be developed and improved over time. When you approach agility and learning with a growth mindset, you are more likely to embrace challenges, persist through difficulties, and ultimately achieve success.
So, agility and learning may seem like disparate concepts, but they are more alike than you might think. Both require a willingness to adapt and change, practice, and adopt a growth mindset. By embracing these traits, you can become more agile and effective in all areas of your life, both personally and professionally.
Curious about Agile ways of working? We answer your most frequently asked questions here.