Whether you’re a startup or an established company, everyone wants to know the secret to growth. But is there really one answer? What if there were seven answers?

We think so. And we’re not the only ones. This was the topic of discussion at the recent Agile 2018 conference in Toronto. Experts from a variety of industries came together to share their insights on what it takes to build a successful, Agile growth organization.

Defining “Agile”

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the term “Agile” can be interpreted in many ways. However, at its core, Agile methodology is all about constant evolution and collaboration.

Teams are organized into short-term “sprints” with the goal of completing a specific task or goal, and then adjusting as they go based on feedback from their peers and superiors.

This collaborative approach ensures that everyone is constantly moving forward and that the definition of “done” is always evolving.

What makes an organization “successful”?

There is no one answer to this question. However, almost all successful organizations share some common traits.

They may have a clear mission or goal, a strong culture or set of values, talented and motivated employees, or a focus on continuous improvement. But the single most important factor in any organization’s success is its ability to grow and adapt.

An agile growth organization can quickly respond to changes in the market or the economy, and pivot when necessary to stay competitive.

Strategy #1: Encourage collaboration

Encouraging collaboration is one of the most important things you can do to help your organization grow successfully.

When people feel like they’re part of a team working towards a common goal, they’re more likely to take pride in their work and be motivated to succeed.

By encouraging collaboration, you create an environment where everyone is heard and valued, and ideas can flow freely. This type of environment is essential for innovation and creativity, which are key drivers of growth.

Strategy #2: Promote transparency

The second strategy for creating an agile and successful growth organization is to promote transparency. This means making sure that everyone in the company is aware of the company’s vision, goals, and strategy.

Employees need to understand how their individual roles contribute to the organization’s success. Additionally, they should be kept up-to-date on how well the company is performing against its goals.

This level of transparency allows employees to feel like they’re part of something bigger and that their work is valuable and worthwhile. It also enables them to identify potential problems and solutions early on. Promoting transparency is essential for creating a cohesive and productive team.

Strategy #3: Support continual learning

It’s essential to continuously learn and grow in order to keep up with the ever-changing landscape of business.

That’s why fostering a learning environment is key for any organization. But what does that mean exactly?

It means giving your team members the opportunity to learn and grow both professionally and personally. It means providing resources, such as books, TED Talks, articles, etc., and encouraging employees to take advantage of them. It also means offering training and development programs, as well as mentorship opportunities.

And finally, it means creating an environment where mistakes are accepted and encouraged (as long as they’re followed up with learning). When team members feel like they’re constantly learning and growing, they’ll be more engaged and productive.

Agile, successful growth organizations come down to one thing – their ability to constantly learn and adapt. Promoting collaboration, transparency, and a willingness to learn will help your organization grow in a healthy and sustainable way.