Agile Leaders’ Behaviours Are Critical For Agile Success
Beyond Frameworks: What Truly Makes an Agile Organization Succeed
Building a truly agile organization is about much more than just adopting a framework like Scrum, LeSS, or SAFe™. Too often, companies believe that simply following a prescribed set of steps will unlock the full value of agility. The reality? Only about 5% of organizations are recognized as fully agile, according to recent studies. The gap isn’t in the process; it’s in the mindset and behaviours that shape daily work.
Why Frameworks Aren’t Enough
Agile frameworks are valuable tools, but they’re just the starting point. Real agility is achieved when leaders and teams internalize agile values and consistently exhibit the right behaviours. Without this, even the best frameworks become little more than checklists.
Nine Signs Your Leader “Gets” Agile
In his insightful article, “Agile: 9 signs your leader gets Scrum,” Dhaval Panchal outlines the characteristics of leaders who truly enable agile success. While Panchal focuses on Scrum, these behaviours are foundational for any agile framework. Here’s his list—with some expanded thoughts:
- They Walk the Walk: Leaders model agile values in their own actions, not just in words.
- They’ve Done Their Homework: They understand agile principles deeply, not just at a surface level.
- They Know the Outcomes They Want: Clear vision and purpose guide their decisions.
- They Invest in Funding and Staffing: Resources are allocated to support the transformation, not just lip service.
- They’re Visible and Active: Leaders are present and engaged, supporting teams throughout the journey.
- They Communicate Progress and Opportunity: Transparency about wins and areas for improvement is routine.
- They Balance Their Power Style: Leaders know when to direct and when to empower, adapting as needed.
- They Give Power to the Team: Teams are trusted to make decisions and take ownership of their work.
- They’re Willing to Be Vulnerable: Leaders admit what they don’t know and are open to learning alongside their teams.
Servant Leadership: The Heart of Agile Success
These nine behaviours all point to one thing: servant leadership. As Jeff Dalton describes in Great Big Agile, the agile leader’s role is to project agile values, create the right environment, and set a compelling vision. This enables teams to be truly agile and successful in everything they do.
Servant leaders are neither micromanagers nor absentee executives. They’re actively engaged—removing obstacles, supporting growth, and encouraging experimentation—without hovering or controlling every detail. They foster trust, empower teams, and create space for innovation.
Action Steps for Agile Leaders
If you’re serious about building an agile organization, focus on these behaviours:
- Model the values you want to see.
- Invest in continuous learning—for yourself and your teams.
- Communicate openly and often.
- Empower teams to take ownership and make decisions.
- Be present, supportive, and willing to admit when you’re learning too.
Resources for Further Learning
There’s a wealth of great books and articles to help you deepen your understanding of agile leadership. In addition to Jeff Dalton and Dhaval Panchal’s article, Great Big Agile, look for titles that focus on the behavioural and cultural aspects of agility—not just the mechanics of frameworks.
Ready to cultivate the right behaviours and unlock your organization’s full agile potential?
Let’s talk about how you can move beyond frameworks and build a culture of true agility. Book a call or reach out at 647-490-7515 to start your journey.
Let’s talk about how you can move beyond frameworks and build a culture of true agility. Book a call or reach out at 647-490-7515 to start your journey.
"I help create ecosystems that become legacies.”
- Jeremy Berriault
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