Agile? Yeah I can be agile

I recently started a new job where they had adopted a new approach to their workplace, a new philosophy - an agile ambition.

During my interview the ‘agile workplace’ was mentioned in passing but also in a way that made it sound razzle dazzle, modern, innovative - the must have workspace design concept for the hip and chic workforce. I was hip and chic - it must be for me!

So, while ensuring the role was the right role for me, I spent no further time thinking about the office environment because it seemed that was going to be right up my alley.

With excitement I got the role. I spent a week off between jobs readying myself for my new role and my new employer. I did some research about their history, looked up on LinkedIn some of my future colleagues and leaders, and of course bought some new clothes, and a refresh of hair and beauty.

A week later I was ready. Well, as ready as you can be - or so I thought!

It seems I should have spent some time learning what being agile really meant, because while I thought I was agile, and could be agile, I realised on my first day, and every day since, I am not that agile.

A bit like pregnancy you keep worrying about labour, but it is the breastfeeding and raising kids that I should have researched.

So, for the non-hip and chic person what does agile mean? From my perspective agile means no set spot, ability to move and work where you like, no barriers. Agile is limber, fast, fluid, and free. 

What does it really mean and look like - I have tissues in my handbag, a pencil case and a box of belongings that I put away in a locker. It also means I may not be at the same desk tomorrow as another agile bird swoops down and snaps it up for the day.

I should have realised I wasn't really that agile, thinking back on my last workspace. I had an office, a shrine to my newfound loves (my babies) across the walls I had furniture, a filing cabinet, textbooks, past cases, a whiteboard, a secure desktop computer, a bin, desk drawers, and other things that made me feel comfortable, you know - settled in. I took the view I spend more time here than anywhere else - make it homely, make it my space, get comfy.

That is NOT the definition of agile.

But that also makes me think about how easy it is to leave the agile job. I am already packed up, have no fixed address and feel loose and transient. If I was fixed and secure at my desk, I'd have to think about leaving a little more closely - I'd have shit to shift.

So, each day I am trying to positively take a step towards being agile. I bought a pencil case and investigated a locker box. I pack all my stuff up each day and clear the desk back to bare. I consider sitting at another desk and will be ready to move should someone come and take the desk I frequent - as I'm prepared to shift giving as all my stuff is in a box already. 

I am like a backpacker, a traveller, always ready to be somewhere new! I have done that before and loved it!

I feel I have a new theme song for my new agile work environment….

"Maybe tomorrow I'll want to settle down,

Until tomorrow, the whole world is my home.

So if you want to join me for a while,

Just grab your hat, come travel light, that's hobo style"

Am I the littlest Hobo?