Mastering flexibility in business: Key lessons for success

In the late 1970s, Apple Computers founder Steve Jobs and his core team visited Xerox Parc. During this visit, he learned about the graphic user interface technology being developed by this company.

When he came out, he first told his team members that they needed to conduct thorough research on this new possibility.

After spending millions of pounds on programming language research, Apple's top management said this decision would destroy the company. Steve Jobs' response was, "Sometimes it's better to do it ourselves than have something external break us."

Steve Jobs proceeded with that decision and achieved great success. Xerox Parc, on the other hand, did not pursue that technology extensively. They chose to focus on their core business of photocopiers. History shows that this company did not achieve great success.

Advanages of flexibility

A key advantage of modern business enterprises, commonly known as start-ups, is their ability to adapt quickly to changing circumstances and operate flexibly.

An important reason for this is that the entrepreneurs are often young and seeking a change from existing business practices. While a lack of experience and established processes can hinder such initiatives, these factors are actually favourable for adapting flexibly to change.

Making quick decisions and implementing them is a constant need for most businesses. When defining the decision-making process, special emphasis should be placed on avoiding delays.

For example, if a product suddenly faces strong competition in the market, the company may need to adopt several strategies quickly to avoid losing market share.

This process involves people from top management down to the ground level. Very few organisations can manage this effectively.

Tips for increasing flexibility  

• It may be appropriate to define a specific process for quick decisions when planning the decision-making processes within the organisation.
• Individuals are often seen clinging to previous inefficiencies, which causes delays and difficulties in many of the organisation’s operations. It is desirable to identify them and take necessary corrective measures from time to time.
• Analytical inputs for decision-making using real-time data are possible today with the help of information technology. Therefore, making maximum use of technology is very helpful.
• Creating highly flexible working conditions is ideal for fostering an environment where innovative ideas can emerge from within the organisation.

Running an enterprise with flexibility and agility, yet with discipline and precision, is often a dream for many. Let’s start working towards this with the small steps mentioned above. It will help every enterprise to thrive in today’s highly competitive business world.

(The author is the Director of Hanhold Consulting Pvt. Ltd. E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.hanhold.com Tel: 62386 01079)

*This article was originally published in Dhanam Business Magazine.