Newsletter #7 - Agile Academy's Curated Learning for August 2023

First up, we've got an intriguing look at Microsoft’s CEO Satya Nadella, who’s doing some amazing things in AI and is also shaking up Microsoft's internal culture in a way that has me pretty impressed. The article talks about how he’s managed to move from a ‘know-it-all’ to a ‘learn-it-all’ a.k.a. growth mindset, which is something I think all organizations could benefit from.

Then, we have a McKinsey piece that’s a must-read, especially if you want to know what’s top-of-mind for business leaders in 2023. It covers everything from remote work strategies to leadership development, and even though McKinsey and I don’t always see eye to eye, this article is jam-packed with insights.

I'm also excited about an article I found on Edgar Schein’s perspectives on organizational culture. It goes beyond the typical “this is how we do things around here” explanation and really digs into why culture is essentially the collective learning of an organization.

In addition to these thought-provoking articles, we're thrilled to present an exclusive offer and an exceptional learning opportunity. First, we have a free webinar I will be hosting that serves as a precursor to the Leading Complexity program by Crisp, a consulting company we are friendly with — ideal for challenging and rethinking the role of leadership in agile settings. 

Second, as a special treat for our community, we are offering a 20% discount on the main Leading Complexity program. More details on both of these are provided further down in the newsletter.

These carefully chosen pieces aim to ignite meaningful conversations, inspire fresh ideas, and offer practical insights. I hope you find them as valuable as I do and can apply them to your daily interactions and long-term strategies.
 
Looking forward to sharing more with you. As always, stay agile!

Sohrab

P.S.: If you find the insights in this newsletter beneficial, please don't hesitate to share it with friends and colleagues.

Discover how Microsoft's Satya Nadella is making waves in the tech world, especially in the domain of AI. Nadella has revitalized the company culture to prioritize growth and innovation, with a focus on ethical, human-centered AI. He also shares a balanced view on the potential—and the pitfalls—of quantum computing. This article offers invaluable insights into effective leadership in the modern tech landscape.

Dive into McKinsey's analysis of the top ten shifts transforming organizations in 2023. The piece covers everything from remote work strategies to talent development, all backed by extensive surveys and interviews. While McKinsey's views don't always align with ours, this is a compelling read that offers valuable insights into what executives are currently thinking.

Explore Edgar Schein's nuanced understanding of organizational culture in this insightful article. Learn how culture evolves from the organization's learning experiences and why it's crucial for adaptability. The article argues against oversimplifying culture and offers examples to guide leaders in approaching culture indirectly through business challenges. A must-read for anyone interested in the multi-faceted nature of organizational culture.

Don’t miss this free webinar I will be hosting that serves as a precursor to the Leading Complexity program by Crisp, a close partner to Agile Academy. This engaging session dispels myths about leadership in agile organizations and highlights the essential roles leaders play in creating effective teams. Discover how leaders can add value by empowering and inspiring others in today's complex digital landscape. A perfect prelude to diving deeper with the full Leading Complexity program.

Elevate your leadership skills with "Leading Complexity 2023," starting September 28. This weekly online series, brought to you by our trusted partner Crisp, promises actionable insights from industry leaders on topics like strategy, culture, and more. As a special perk for our community, you'll receive a 20% discount with the code "scrumacademy" on the program. It's an opportunity you won't want to miss.