4As
of Agile organizations
This is a simple set of points about working in an Agile organization.
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Attention
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This means both focusing on customers and
key value-adding activity whilst also maintaining a broad peripheral
vision, for example keeping a weather eye out for market shifts and
competitor activity.
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It requires systems of measurement, monitoring and scanning that
provide pertinent information when it is needed.
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The key process in Attention is Learning. The outcome is
understanding. You have knowledge, not just data.
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Agility
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Means moving fast when
reacting (or proacting) as a result of the learning form Attention.
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It requires a flexible and motivated workforce along with processes
and systems that are easily changeable.
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The key process in Agility is Change. The outcome is a number of
people doing something different and/or other changes such as IT
systems, organization structures, etc.
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Alignment
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Means everyone and all systems set up to a common purpose. When
agility causes movement, any non-alignment in the end state is, by
definition, waste, which can seriously impact our ability to deliver
value to customers.
- It requires people and the whole system to work together. An aligned
system runs from markets and customers through strategies, objectives,
processes, systems, people and skills.
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The key process in Alignment is Process Management. But not a
process management that causes document mountains. It is a process
management of communication, agility, direction and clarity.
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Achievement
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The other As are useless unless they lead to results. They are all
also vital components to achieve results:
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It requires the other As to be used with Achievement in mind:
setting Attention through objectives, Agility and flexibility in
meeting the objectives and Alignment of customers, strategy,
objectives, process and people.
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The key process of Achievement is Management By Objectives.
See also:
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