In March 2020, as the first case of COVID-19 emerged in his home city, the newly appointed president of The Persimmon Group faced a leadership crisis. With strategic plans rendered irrelevant overnight, the challenge was to make rapid, informed decisions in an atmosphere of uncertainty. This situation propelled a shift toward Agile leadership, enabling the organization to respond effectively to disruptions while maintaining team coherence and operational integrity.
Adapting Leadership Styles in Crisis
Initially, conventional leadership methods such as gathering facts and debating options faltered as the rapidly changing landscape rendered traditional decision-making processes ineffective. The leadership team quickly recognized the need for a more dynamic approach. This led to the adoption of Agile principles, which are traditionally associated with software development but proved equally beneficial in organizational leadership.
Through experimentation, the team developed a framework termed the “fast frame,” focusing on five critical questions:
1. What do we know for sure?
2. What can we find out quickly?
3. What is unknowable right now?
4. What’s the risk of deciding today?
5. What’s the risk of not deciding today?
This framework streamlined decision-making, reducing latency by 20% to 30%. It allowed the team to maintain momentum when hesitation threatened to overwhelm progress, ultimately facilitating rapid responses to evolving challenges.
Another significant innovation was the introduction of “For-Now Decisions.” These temporary decisions aimed to propel the organization forward while gathering more data. Each For-Now Decision included a clear action plan, a timeline for reassessment, specific learning targets, and a communication strategy to keep the team informed and engaged. This approach emphasized learning over perfection, saving 300 to 400 hours annually by avoiding prolonged debates over permanent decisions.
Building Transparency and Communication
Recognizing that uncertainty breeds speculation, the leadership team prioritized open communication. They instituted daily 20-minute virtual standup meetings to foster a culture of transparency and collaboration. These sessions allowed team members to share insights, raise concerns, and clarify ongoing tasks. The format emphasized two-way communication, ensuring that everyone remained aligned despite the chaos.
By creating a shared understanding of the decision-making process, The Persimmon Group established a rhythm that built confidence among team members. This culture of transparency proved vital, particularly as many consulting firms struggled during the pandemic. In contrast, Agile leadership contributed to a doubling of revenue within 24 months for The Persimmon Group, with no layoffs or salary reductions beyond the executive team.
As the organization adjusted to the demands of a fast-paced environment, precision in communication became paramount. The leadership team shifted its language to promote clarity and urgency, asking specific questions regarding project timelines. This focus on concise and actionable language eliminated ambiguity, enhancing overall efficiency.
Even as the initial crisis subsided, the lessons learned during this period continued to shape the organization’s approach to leadership. The balance between speed and the need for sustainable work practices became a core tenet of the company’s operations. The adoption of boundaries around work hours helped to maintain team morale and performance, preventing burnout during demanding periods.
Future-Proofing Leadership Strategies
As the world transitions from the pandemic, new challenges such as technological advancements and market volatility persist. The demand for leaders who can act with agility is greater than ever. For Chief Information Officers (CIOs), this means delivering transformations without compromising team well-being.
Agility has evolved into a mindset that transcends specific methodologies. Leaders are encouraged to focus on shorter planning horizons, making quicker, smaller decisions while promoting radical transparency and clarity in communication. These foundational practices foster a culture of sustainable speed, equipping organizations to navigate ongoing changes effectively.
In this environment, the readiness for change is more valuable than ever. The principles of Agile leadership, forged in crisis, have become a standard operating procedure for The Persimmon Group. This readiness not only enhances resilience but also provides a stable foundation for future growth and success in an unpredictable world.
