5
Agile state
KEY LEARNING POINT
Identify the three layers of agility needed to create an agile mindset.
Creating the right state of mind to achieve agility is vital: agile works with change, it sees it as an everyday occurrence and gives us a way of thinking and a structure to map out and manage change by embracing uncertainty through learning and experimentation.
In order to do things well, we must have a good state of mind, good structure and good content. Agile tools and techniques provide a structure and make it possible to sustain a state of agility (see Figure 5.1).
William T. Cairley, business and personal coach (Master Business Practitioner, Neurolinguistic Programming (NLP)), first introduced me to the three layers of state, structure and content as a coaching tool, especially when presenting.
- Agile state
An agile state is achieved by adopting an agile philosophy: the approach, values and beliefs that drive agile behaviour explored in Part 1.
- Agile structure
The agile methodology provides structure that supports agile behaviour. The methodology provides the tactics, tools and techniques for managing and thriving during change and embracing uncertainty.
- Agile content
The activities, value and resources that deliver the desired solution to meet goals and achieve success.
Presenting
Let’s use presenting as an example of how to apply and think about content, structure and state. If delivering a presentation, it is vital that the presenter is focused and in the right frame of mind to allow them to convey their content in the best way: their tone, mood, pitch and body language must be positive and engaging, if anyone is going to listen to what they have to say.
Figure 5.1 Agile state, structure and content
The presentation must also be structured well so that it flows and makes sense to the listener. The structure will also include details of the presentation, such as timing, audience, branding/layout and style, housekeeping and other relevant elements that guide the structure and format of the presentation.
If the presenter has a good state of mind and a good structure, this should guide and prompt the content of the presentation and help ensure that it is delivered successfully.