In a world where innovation drives progress, AGILOX stands as a pioneering figure in the realm of Automated Mobile Robots (AMRs). However, it’s not just the cutting-edge technology that sets AGILOX apart; it’s their approach, too. They prioritize adaptability, scalability and seamless integration, offering clients a competitive edge in warehouse and logistics operations. And when it comes to their own employees, nurturing a people-first culture is paramount.
Recently, we had the privilege of engaging in a conversation with Sebastian Grossalber, the driving force behind AGILOX’s organizational development. He walked us through the company’s journey with the Art of Acceleration (AOA), revealing a transformative experience that shaped their growth trajectory while helping them keep their valuable startup agility.
Like many companies rooted in a startup mindset, AGILOX also faced organizational challenges that stemmed from its agile approach. While effective when it comes to meeting immediate needs and allowing for a lot of flexibility and quick response, this way of working lacked the structure the company needed to support its exponential growth. AGILOX needed a framework that bridged the gap between its agile startup culture and the demands of a professionally managed entity.
“We aim for a balance between a performance-driven culture and one that values its employees. For us, it was a clear decision not to adopt OKRs and risk burning out our team, while still striving for that sweet spot that delivers both performance and employee satisfaction.”
What were you looking for in a new methodology framework?
Sebastian Grossalber: We wanted a framework that could integrate our accelerated, agile nature with a more structured approach, tailored specifically to our organizational needs. Our goal was to maintain elements of our agile startup culture that had led to our success, rather than becoming a completely rigid entity. It was crucial for us to adopt a fit-for-purpose framework—one that kept our innovative and agile approach while supporting our transformation into a stable and forward-thinking company.
When did you start seeing the results due to Art of Acceleration? Was there a specific turning point that stood out?
Sebastian Grossalber: The first noticeable results emerged immediately after the workshops. People worked alongside each other, fostering better relationships and addressing miscommunications they hadn’t realized were occurring. It helped them nail down concrete objectives. The second significant moment was in the following quarter when teams were close to completing their actions. Teams had to decide whether to report tasks as done or as 99% complete. Notably, everyone chose the latter, which to me signaled a crucial mindset shift within the organization. It showed us that 99% wasn’t enough—tasks needed to reach 100% completion, as teams depend on each other to do their work. We’ve made it transparent that incomplete tasks can hinder others’ progress, and this ripple effect accumulates along the process. This marked a pivotal change in the organization’s mindset and the subsequent results.
“What’s great about AOA is that it doesn’t dictate behavioral changes; it simply lays out the problems, making them visible and tangible. How we choose to react and adapt is entirely up to us.”
When looking at AOA versus other frameworks, what would you say sets AOA apart?
Sebastian Grossalber: AOA’s main strength lies in its simplicity and universal understanding. It might be challenging to explain it in words, but AOA, once experienced in a workshop, becomes crystal clear. It’s easily understandable at every level, from C-suite executives to team leads and assembly line employees. Everyone has the chance to participate and truly understand the framework. It’s straightforward and accessible. AOA isn’t rocket science. While frameworks like OKRs might seem complicated even after prolonged use, AOA becomes understandable after one workshop. After a few, you could really lead an AOA session yourself.
Would you like to learn more about how AGILOX successfully implemented AOA and is now reaping the benefits? Discover the in-depth story in the Customer Spotlight below.