Agile-Adaptive Management Model: Building the Bridge from Innovation to Business Value

by David Spann

The most compelling opportunity in business today may be the ability to sense and quickly respond to changes in the marketplace. Companies like Toyota and Google are making headlines with their agility and adaptability, through concepts such as using small team processes, developing quality products and services, and most importantly, creating exceptional business value and customer satisfaction. (Google's stock price at the end of 2005 was up from its IPO price of US $85 to $415 and is projected to go to $600 by the end of 2006.) Likewise, companies in financial services, healthcare, retail, and even construction and manufacturing are utilizing similar practices and seeing exceptional results. Being agile and adaptive, however, is not rocket science. These companies rigorously focus on differentiating their organization in the marketplace, stick with some basic management principles and practices, and enable their people to do great things.