Large organisations can indeed be agile, contradicting the common belief that agility is only possible in small firms. Agile organisations are characterised by a customer-centric approach, network-based structures, and a focus on innovation and adaptability. These traits are not exclusive to small businesses, but can be adopted by large corporations as well. The key lies in shifting from a hierarchical structure to a network-based one, which promotes collaboration and flexibility.
Microsoft and Amazon are prime examples of large corporations that have successfully embraced agility. Microsoft transformed its culture by adopting a growth mindset, focusing on learning and innovation. Amazon, on the other hand, uses a two-pizza rule where teams should be small enough to be fed by two pizzas, promoting autonomy and efficiency.
However, such transformation is not easy and requires a complete overhaul of the organisation’s culture and mindset. It involves shifting from a command-and-control approach to a more collaborative one, and from efficiency as the primary goal to adaptability.
Despite the challenges, the rewards of becoming agile are immense. Agile organisations are more responsive to market changes, more innovative, and more capable of delivering superior customer value. Thus, agility is not just a desirable trait, but a crucial one for survival in today’s fast-paced business environment.
Go to source article: http://www.forbes.com/sites/stevedenning/2016/11/26/can-big-organizations-be-agile/#4460ac961d49