Our research
shows that one of the six key factors
that can flip the odds of success for digital transformation
from 30% to 80%
is an agile governance mindset that
drives broader adoption.
BCG research
also reveals that companies that adopt an agile mindset,
principles, and culture throughout the organization
are over 40% more likely to succeed in their digital transformations
than those that do not.
One crucial element of an agile mindset
is the ability to continue despite setbacks,
to treat failures as opportunities to learn and pivot.
This is so critical that,—
as our research found,—
leaders
who displayed such perseverance
were four times more likely to deliver their intended outcomes
than those who did not.
What does it take to go beyond the buzzword
and adopt a truly agile mindset?
Based on our empirical research,
we have developed a set of
Yes/No questions
that define the components
of an agile mindset
for digital transformation.
These questions
can help you assess whether your organization can embrace this mindset.
And BCG has a structured approach
to help you answer
"Yes" to these defining questions.
There are a few other considerations
to keep in mind regarding an agile mindset
as you progress with your digital transformation:
Start with why.
Agile is a means to an end,
not the goal in itself.
Leaders must set forth a clear vision,
demonstrate its urgency and value,
and guard against backsliding into old ways of working.
Adopt the principles,
adapt the practices.
Agile is a set of values,
principles, and behaviors.
Leaders must adopt and actively promote
a company-wide cultural and behavioral shift,
but adapt the practices to their specific needs.
Change your leadership behaviors.
Agile transformations require from executives
something even more challenging
than learning new behaviors.
They must also unlearn
behaviors that have historically led to success,
but will not be effective going forward.
Align to empower.
The ability to act autonomously
spurs ownership and creativity,
allowing agile teams to move fast.
The more alignment that leaders can establish,
the more autonomy they can afford to give.
Learn and adapt—
at speed.
Agile puts a premium on feedback and learning.
Willingness to adapt
is more important than following a plan.
As one of the executives that I have worked with
puts it: