Think Like an Octopus: The Secret Weapon for Agile Companies.

I was sitting in a small restaurant in Switzerland when I noticed a guest at the next table enjoying an octopus salad. As I stared at my plate, a question surfaced in my mind: How does an octopus live?

How does this creature survive in such a complex and dangerous world? Curiosity took hold of me, and I began researching this fascinating animal. What I discovered changed my perspective on organizations and revealed why many companies fail due to their rigidity.

What can a company learn from an octopus – it sounds strange, right? But stay with me.

An octopus is a fascinating creature. Its brain isn’t just in its head; it is distributed across all eight arms. Each arm can make independent decisions while seamlessly communicating with the rest of the body.

Imagine if your company could function like that. What if every department, every team, could act autonomously and flexibly without waiting for instructions from above?

That is strategic agility.

In today's fast-paced world, companies need to be as nimble as a Berliner rushing to the next currywurst stand. They must quickly adapt and seize new opportunities as soon as they arise.

The octopus teaches us that decentralized decision-making leads to incredible efficiency and innovation. By enabling your teams to make decisions, you create a culture of trust and accountability. Just like the saying goes: Everyone is the architect of their own fortune.

Your employees will be more engaged and motivated. So take inspiration from the octopus. Embrace strategic agility. Give your teams more responsibility and watch your company thrive – like a well-tended garden.

Not long ago, I spoke with an executive who was frustrated with her employees. "No one takes initiative," she complained. When I probed deeper, it became clear: Employees had become accustomed to every decision needing approval through multiple layers of management. I told her about the octopus and its autonomous structure. "Have you ever considered how your processes might be blocking ownership?" I asked. That question was the beginning of a transformation. She started delegating decision-making authority downward, and the results were remarkable: Suddenly, her teams brought forward ideas that were not only innovative but immediately actionable.

Another crucial aspect is flexibility.

An octopus can change its color, texture, and even shape to survive in its environment. This ability to adapt reminds us how important it is for companies to adjust quickly to change. I recall a tech company that came under pressure due to a sudden market shift. Instead of freezing in shock, the management team radically reoriented all products toward a new customer need. Within months, the company not only survived but even gained market share.

And then there’s the resilience of the octopus.

If it loses an arm, it grows back. This is a powerful metaphor for companies dealing with setbacks.

The real question is: How does your organization react when things go wrong?

Are your teams prepared to compensate for losses and come back stronger? I once asked a board of executives, "If you lost your biggest customers tomorrow, how quickly could you gain new ones?" The silence in the room spoke volumes. But this honest reflection became the starting point for an overhaul of their sales strategy.

The greatest lesson the octopus teaches us, however, is not about structure or tools. It is about culture.

Are your employees ready to take responsibility? Do your leaders have the courage to relinquish control? Or is the real barrier a reluctance to let go of old habits?

As I left the restaurant, I realized that companies must not only think agile but act agile. The octopus shows us how it’s done.

Question for you: Does your company operate like an octopus – flexible, autonomous, resilient? Or do structures and processes prevent your teams from achieving this?

Are you ready to leap into transformation?

If you’d like to learn more or exchange ideas on how to establish strategic agility in your company, let’s talk. Reach out to me, and together we’ll find the steps to drive your organization forward!