The enlightened

Agile lessons from Star Wars

To become an agile organization, you have to start by changing your leadership style.

Surely you remember Return of the Jedi’s very first scene? Where Darth Vader arrives on the Death Star to help put the long-delayed project back on schedule.

Here’s the conversation that ensues between the commander, our de facto Death Star project manager, and Vader, our business stakeholder. Swap out the titles and you can almost imagine it taking place in a conference room in a company not so far away.

Commander: “I assure you Lord Vader, my men are working as fast as they can.”

Vader: “Perhaps I can find new ways to motivate them.”

Commander: “I tell you that this station will be operational as planned.”

Vader: “The Emperor does not share your optimistic appraisal of the situation.”

Commander: “But he asks the impossible … I need more men.”

Vader: “Then perhaps you can tell him when he arrives.”

Commander: “The Emperor’s coming here?”

Vader: “That is correct, Commander. And he is most displeased with your apparent lack of progress.”

Commander: “We shall double our efforts!”

Vader: “I hope so, Commander, for your sake. The Emperor is not as forgiving as I am.”