Book of the Month: The 7 Attributes of Agile Growth

I’ve found that a growing number of CEOs and executive teams are becoming familiar with leadership operating systems for midsize companies; systems like The Rockefeller Habits, Scaling Up or the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), that are summarized in books by the same names.

These systems have been built on each others’ shoulders: the Rockefeller Habits compiling best practices from a variety of thought leaders, EOS expanding on the habits and making them more accessible to small businesses, and Scaling Up adding more best practices to strengthen strategy, profitability and cash flow.

When CEOs and their teams successfully implement these methods, then growth, and even profitable growth becomes easier, especially if they're working with a leadership team coach. 

However, as companies grow, the journey becomes more complex and some gaps can become apparent in these systems.

I’ve also found that some companies struggle to implement these methods because certain elements aren’t covered in much depth; things like accountability, how to set metrics, targets and rocks, and how to get executive team alignment.

While I use the Scaling Up method and the Rockefeller Habits with the companies I work with, as well as some of the tools that are unique to EOS, I also rely on a system that builds on their shoulders to fill the gaps and address some of the more subtle challenges of growth: The 7 Attributes of Agile Growth.

The book, again by the same name, was written by Keith Cupp, CEO of Gravitas Impact Premium Coaches, the global community of executive team coaches I am a part of.

The 7 Attributes of Agile Growth is a monograph, a relatively new format of book, being made popular by certain thought leaders, like Jim Collins with his Flywheel monograph. Monographs are relatively short, at 40 to 80 pages, designed to cover a narrow topic or provide a high level overview, and be read in one sitting, like on a short-haul flight.

The book outlines the attributes of companies that are successful at not only growing, but also overcoming the new challenges that come with growth and adapting to a constantly changing environment in order to keep growing sustainably and profitably over time.

These 7 Attributes include Leadership, Talent, Strategy, Execution, Profit, Customer and Systems.

The leadership attribute is where the executive leadership team has done the work to become authentic, healthy, and aligned.

Talent is about leaders and managers pursuing a culture of trust, results, and accountability with their people.

The strategy attribute is where the executive team has defined and evolved a unique and valuable position in the market, and it can be easily recalled and stated by all employees in one phrase.

Execution includes having annual, quarterly, and personal targets and priorities that are visible, measured, and activated successfully with a 13-week sprint.    

The profit attribute is where cash flow has been optimized, and the executive team understands the forces and levers in their control to increase profit and cash.

The customer attribute is where the core customer has been defined, a compelling promise has been crafted, and the customer lifecycle has been systematized.

Systems is where the organization has defined methods to optimize core processes, change management, decision-making, and technology use.

The 7 Attributes of Agile Growth is an introductory monograph to the overall operating system. Separate monographs are being developed for each attribute. So far, four monographs have been released, going into some depth on: accountability, profit and cash flow optimization, A player talent, and competitive strategy.

Monograph: 56 pages.

How can you grow an agile company?
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To find out how to implement a leadership operating system to grow more easily, quickly and profitability, AND enjoy the ride, try our complimentary Agile Growth Checklist. This self-service questionnaire takes 5 to 10 minutes to complete. You'll receive the checklist with your responses immediately. Within 24 hours, you'll receive a compiled report highlighting areas to improve. Find out how your company is doing in each of the 7 areas needed to produce more rapid, profitable and sustainable growth. This report is complementary and involves no obligation.

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