What is Agility?
The Five Pillars of High-Performance are Direction, Collaboration, Communication, Agility and Drive. When all Five Pillars are demonstrably strong in an organisation, we find that team members are highly motivated, innovation is in abundance, and productivity is optimised. We are reviewing each pillar over a number of weeks.
Today’s Virtual Coach is focussed on High-Performance Pillar #4: Agility
Agility: What Is The Focus Here?
The Agility pillar asks about the flexibility and nimbleness of your organisation. We consider your ability to adapt to external market pressures, your responsiveness to changes in strategic direction, and your propensity to flex processes. We also look at the timeliness and efficiency of decision-making, to assess the impact this has on progress and performance. We ask questions such as:
- Would you describe the company as adaptable to change?
- How do you rate the efficiency of decision-making?
- Do the organisation’s systems support flexibility and dynamism?
- How would you rate your awareness of external market trends?
- How open to change is your team?
Agility: As A High-Performance Leader
Agility in a leadership context encompasses more than the ability to stop, start, and change direction. Agility, as a high-performance leader, means:
Making confident and timely decisions (even when unpopular or uncertain), being willing to flex processes in response to evolving market or stakeholder needs, and embracing the opportunities that innovation creates.
When you are comfortable to welcome change into pre-defined structures, while making nimble decisions that optimise progress towards shared objectives, productivity inevitably rises.
Agility: A Case Study
Netflix: A Masterclass in Agility
When we talk about agility – adaptability, quick decision-making, innovating and learning from mistakes, and efficiency – Netflix stands out as one of the best examples in modern business.
From DVDs to Streaming
Founded in 1997 as a DVD rental service, Netflix spotted the shift toward digital media early. In 2007, it boldly pivoted to online streaming, even though DVDs were still profitable. That decision positioned Netflix perfectly for the on-demand entertainment boom that followed.
Data-Driven Decisions
Netflix uses data and A/B testing to shape nearly everything – from the shows it produces to the thumbnails you see. This culture of experimentation reflects true agility: continuous learning and refinement instead of rigid planning.
Learning from Mistakes
Not every move worked. In 2011, Netflix split its DVD and streaming services under “Qwikster,” frustrating customers and losing 800,000 subscribers. Within weeks, leadership admitted the error, reversed course, and rebuilt trust. Agility means failing fast – and recovering faster.
Innovation and Local Adaptation
Netflix didn’t stop at streaming; it became a global content creator. Data insights led to hits like House of Cards, Squid Game, and Money Heist, each tailored to different audiences. Local experimentation with global reach keeps Netflix ahead of competitors.
Empowered and Efficient
Internally, Netflix operates on “freedom and responsibility.” Teams make quick, data-backed decisions without bureaucracy – a model that fuels creativity and speed.
Agility in Action
Netflix’s success didn’t come from predicting the future – it came from being ready to adapt when the future arrived.
If you feel that your organisation would benefit from developing any aspects of Agility, we can support! Get in touch today. You’re In Cool Company.
