In a recent report published by "Rise Institute", it became apparent that the Israeli high-tech ecosystem is experiencing waves of unpredictability on a larger scale than ever before. This revelation prompts us to reconsider our approach to these uncertain times. This is where the concept of being "edgile" comes into play – blending agility with an edge mindset. In this blog post, we'll explore what it means to adopt an edgile approach and why it's essential for navigating the current challenges in the tech industry.

In a recent interview with a Senior FS Developer, who surprisingly found himself "Open to work" after his previous employer, a top-tier Unicorn, unexpectedly closed its Israeli site, I couldn't help but wonder how he ended up in this situation. He explained that he had joined an international corporate's development center, only to find out a month later about the closure. It's evident that even the VP R&D who recruited him was taken aback. This highlights the chaotic nature of the past two years, prompting the need for a more resilient approach – one that is "edgile."

So, what exactly does it mean to be "edgile"?

It's about blending agility with a sharp edge, preparing ourselves to navigate the turbulent waters of the current ecosystem. As we face an ever-evolving crisis with dynamic and unpredictable conditions, being edgile means gearing up for bigger waves that could hit us unexpectedly.

Central to this mindset is having a lean team – one that is even leaner than what you might typically afford. This team is divided into two: the "Core" team, consisting of seasoned company veterans handling less volatile development areas, and the "Edge" team, comprising individuals with a growth mindset who embrace change and failure as part of the journey. If budget permits, opt for such developers; otherwise, consider partnering with an external development team that values collaboration.

Moreover, being edgile entails ongoing risk management and contingency planning. It's about identifying potential risks early on and having backup plans ready. Whether it's a sudden shift in consumer demand or unexpected challenges from investors or customers, staying close to sales, product, and finance teams is crucial. Communication should be swift and seamless, allowing for quicker decision-making.

Lastly, consider establishing a "Red Team" comprising representatives from business, product, and R&D. Meeting at the end of each sprint, this team can brainstorm worst-case scenarios, potential outcomes, and mitigation strategies. This proactive approach ensures that when faced with challenges, you're equipped to handle them effectively.

In times of uncertainty, being edgile is not just a strategy– it's a mindset that positions us to thrive amidst chaos. Let's embrace it and navigate the unknown with confidence.

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