Successful momentum means more than acting quickly, explains Executive Assistant and author Hiyam Abuguilah
Key Takeaways
- Speed drives momentum, but business agility ensures adaptability.
- Long-term success depends not just on moving fast, but on adaptive leadership that pivots with market shifts.
- Agility improves outcomes.
- Real innovation comes from strategic decision-making and adaptation.
- Case studies highlight the value of agility. BlackBerry’s downfall shows the risk of speed without direction, while Netflix’s evolution illustrates how continuous recalibration and digital transformation lead to resilience and growth.
In today’s breakneck business climate, speed is often seen as the ultimate virtue. Leaders are praised for rapid execution. Teams are rewarded for racing deadlines. But here’s the uncomfortable reality: speed alone is a blunt instrument. Without agility, it can cause more harm than good.
Speed vs. Agility: A Crucial Distinction
Speed is the rate at which we move. Agility is our ability to adapt while we move. One is about momentum; the other is about direction. In an era marked by rapid change and disruption, the real differentiator isn’t how fast you go, it’s how wisely you shift. Being agile means recognizing when the path needs to change. It’s about responding to evolving needs, customer behaviour, and market signals, not blindly charging forward.
A Personal Glimpse into Agility
Working in a healthcare facility has taught me firsthand how agility plays out in daily operations. At one point, our outpatient clinics were grappling with long patient waiting times. Instead of adding more staff or expanding hours (the fast fix), we paused to assess the root cause. The solution came not from speed, but from clarity: we implemented an electronic appointment system that distributed patient visits more efficiently across time slots. The result? A smoother flow, higher patient satisfaction, and better use of resources.
Case Studies: When Speed Goes Wrong, and Right
At its peak, BlackBerry was the gold standard in mobile communication, but when the smartphone landscape shifted toward touchscreens and app ecosystems, BlackBerry held tightly to its past and responded with speed, releasing devices that failed to match the new consumer expectations. Speed was there, but it was misdirected. A fast response in the wrong direction is still a failure. Compare that with Netflix. It started as a DVD rental service,. but when digital streaming began to emerge, Netflix led the disruption. It changed smoothly again into a content powerhouse, producing global hits that reshaped entertainment. What made the difference? Not just speed, but continuous recalibration.
Speed Without Prioritization
In the digital age, everything feels urgent. Notifications, emails, pings –, our workday becomes a race. But activity doesn’t equal progress. Moving fast without clarity turns productivity into noise. We end up busy, but not effective. Agile teams often pause, reflect, and realign. They don’t just move. They adapt.
When Speed Matters
In crisis management, like cybersecurity threats, public health emergencies, or disaster response, speed saves lives. Take Amazon’s response during the COVID-19 pandemic. It rapidly hired, restructured logistics, and prioritized essential supplies with a foundation of strong infrastructure and agile leadership.
Final Thought
Speed can feel satisfying. It gives a sense of progress. But if we’re running on a treadmill, going nowhere fast, what’s the point? Agility steps off the treadmill. It asks hard questions, listens carefully, and adjusts the path as needed.
In the long run, organizations that thrive won’t be those that move the fastest, but those that move the smartest.
References:
- Abuguilah, Hiyam. From Your Office to the Top (Arabic book). Sawtmualif Publishing House, 2025, pp. 120–121.
- Brightline Initiative. “Netflix’s success demonstrates the importance of strategic agility.” World Finance. https://www.worldfinance.com/strategy/netflixs-success-demonstrates-the-importance-of-strategic-agility
