Agile, adaptive leaders

Abstract

Purpose – This paper aims to illustrate what agile management looks like, why it is increasingly necessary and how it can be developed and supported. Design/methodology/approach – This is a case study from a large complex organization (Lancashire County Council) showing how management restructuring increased managers ' spans of responsibility, moving them out of their professional comfort zones, and how in response, the organization identified, supported and developed agile leadership. Findings – Agile, adaptive leaders are able to move quickly and easily from one area of management to another, able to manage a diverse range of complex services and able to quickly and smoothly adapt to a fast-changing business environment. Research limitations/implications – This is a case study from a large complex public sector organization, but the need for agile and adaptive leaders applies equally to the private and not-for-profit sectors. Originality/value – This paper offers insights into the changing role of management across a diverse range of services and provides an example of how organizations can successfully respond.