Why Agile Leadership is critical for success
Why Agile Leadership is critical for success
Leadership is what drives the organisation. Employees look to management to guide them in unknown situations, so it’s critical for leaders to be able to manage change effectively and chart the way forward in times of crisis. This was clearly illustrated at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, when the most successful leaders (and therefore organisations) were able to pivot, adapt and guide their teams through the uncertainty.
Agile leadership is a model of management that is designed for the demands of 21st century organisations. In most industries, leaders can no longer rely on traditional management styles that emphasise authority. Leadership Agility means being flexible, empowering, collaborative, impactful and self-aware.
Measuring Agility in leaders
Agile leadership can be measured via Learning Agility: a well-researched meta-competency defined as the ability to learn effectively in the face of new demands and changing expectations.
A recent meta-analysis studied the relationship between leadership success and Learning Agility. The results showed that 55% of leadership success is due to Agility, reinforcing how critical an agile management style is for modern organisations.
Learning Agility vs. Cognitive Ability
-
Avoids adverse impact
-
Decreases defensive reactions to an “intelligence” test
-
Provides an overall view of behaviours that leaders can develop
Delving into Agility and Agile behaviours

Author
Lumenii's team of expert psychologists regularly collaborate to share their ideas and knowledge. Visit the Lumenii blog for the latest case studies, thought leadership and research.