“That’s FANTASTIC!” -The Agility Trick you Need Now
“That’s FANTASTIC!” - The Agility Trick you Need Now
Agility is more than a leadership buzzword; it's the survival skill of our time. Yet, so many leaders are lost on how to actually make it part of their team's DNA. Why is agility crucial? Simple: the ability to pivot is the difference between success and irrelevance. McKinsey’s data even shows that agile organizations are a jaw-dropping 3.5 times more likely to leave their competitors eating dust. So, if you can’t roll with the punches, get ready to be knocked out.
Here’s the kicker: agility isn’t some mystical, unteachable trait. Neuroscience shows that our brains are wildly adaptable thanks to neuroplasticity, meaning we can actually train ourselves to think on our feet. Research in Harvard Business Review backs it up, showing that teams who actively engage in agility-building exercises see a 30% jump in problem-solving speed—a true brain boost.
One clever way to infuse agility into your team’s mindset? The improv technique, “That’s FANTASTIC!”. Here’s how it works:
Step 1: Small Teams, Big Ideas
Split into groups of 2-3, with each team equipped with one chair.
Step 2: The CEO Roleplay
Each group appoints a CEO for a fictional company—anything from a fast-food empire to a galactic travel agency.
Step 3: Bring on the Problems
Team members throw wild curveballs at the “CEO”—a food-poisoning scandal, a new law banning space travel, you name it.
Step 4: “That’s FANTASTIC!”
The CEO’s job is to respond to each issue with, “That’s FANTASTIC!” and turn it into a goldmine. Space travel banned? Great! Time to pivot to underwater expeditions.
Ground Rules:
Every member takes a turn as the CEO.
No fatal scenarios—keep it fun.
Every solution has to tie back to revenue, or solve a problem to benefit the org.
Push your teams to rethink challenges as opportunities. The World Economic Forum has labeled agility as a top skill that organizations crave, yet few know how to nurture it. With this approach, you’ll help teams transform every curveball into a homerun. So, the question is, how agile is your organization? Let’s tap into your brain’s superpower to adapt and turn change from a threat into your biggest advantage.
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