Tom Matthews
In an age of unprecedented complexity, economic shifts, and constant technological disruption, one key trait sets apart those who consistently rise to the occasion: “high agency”. Popularised by mathematician and economist Eric Weinstein, “high agency” describes a rare quality in individuals who reject the notion that their path is bound by limits and refuse to accept “impossible” as an answer. They are the problem-solvers, the disruptors, the people who seem to accomplish what others deem out of reach.
What does it mean to be a high agency person?
At its core, being high agency is about owning one’s own power and possibilities, regardless of circumstances. High agency people possess a unique drive to bend circumstances to their will, adapting with creativity and resilience to find pathways others overlook. Rather than being daunted by barriers, they view these as opportunities to learn, innovate, and persist.
Where most people might say, “It can’t be done,” high agency individuals respond with, “Let’s find a way.” They see setbacks not as dead-ends but as a call to action, an opportunity to forge solutions that others fail to imagine.
Traits of high agency individuals
What does a high agency mindset look like in the professional world? Here are some key traits that stand out:
- Creative problem-solving: high agency individuals don’t wait for perfect solutions. They leverage whatever resources they have to make incremental progress toward their goals, often turning unconventional approaches into successful outcomes
- Resilience under pressure: where others might crumble or abandon ship at the first major hurdle, high agency people persevere. They view setbacks as challenges to overcome, and they stay engaged and focused on finding ways forward, no matter how difficult
- Adaptability and flexibility: in today’s unpredictable world, agility is critical. High agency individuals don’t cling rigidly to one approach; they’re willing to pivot and evolve their strategies to reach their goals
- Resourcefulness: high agency people don’t sit back waiting for ideal circumstances. They make the most of what they have, often achieving incredible results with limited resources. In fact, constraints can fuel their ingenuity
- Courage and conviction: high agency isn’t about ignoring risks or realities—it’s about believing in one’s capacity to overcome them. These individuals face fears head-on and act with conviction even in the face of uncertainty.
Why organisations need high agency people
For companies navigating an era of continuous change, high agency people can be the key to staying competitive and innovative. These individuals are natural leaders who empower teams to break free from traditional constraints, explore new possibilities, and stay resilient through tough challenges.
High agency employees can turn an average team into a high-performance one, where creative solutions flourish, morale soars, and challenges are met with grit and ingenuity. They’re often the ones initiating change, finding efficiencies, and inspiring others to question assumptions that no longer serve the company’s mission.
Cultivating high agency: a shift in mindset
While some individuals may be naturally inclined toward a high agency mindset, the good news is that it can be cultivated. Here’s how to foster this quality:
- Challenge assumptions: ask yourself regularly if the “rules” you’re following are truly immovable. Challenge assumptions and question whether you’re seeing the whole picture, especially when you’re told something is impossible
- Focus on solutions, not problems: develop a habit of shifting your focus from what’s going wrong to what could go right. High agency people concentrate on actionable steps, always looking for where they can make progress
- Empower teams to experiment: for leaders, creating a culture where it’s okay to try new things and take calculated risks is crucial. Empower your team to explore different ways to overcome obstacles and be receptive to diverse approaches
- Resilience training: encourage resilience within yourself and your team. This can be developed through stress management, maintaining perspective during setbacks, and learning to see challenges as learning experiences rather than reasons to give up
- Encourage a growth mindset: foster an environment where mistakes are not stigmatised but are seen as a natural part of the learning curve. Embrace a culture where everyone is encouraged to stretch beyond what’s comfortable or easy.
Conclusion: embracing high agency as a path forward
In a world where rapid change is the norm, high agency can be the superpower that enables people to thrive amid uncertainty. It’s more than just a skill; it’s a mindset that can drive remarkable achievements and turn “impossible” into “achieved.” By cultivating a high agency mindset in ourselves and our teams, we can unlock new levels of creativity, resilience, and impact that can redefine not just our careers, but entire industries.
Ultimately, high agency is about reclaiming our power to shape our lives and the world around us. In embracing this mindset, we don’t just improve our individual capacity for success—we set an example for others to challenge the impossible and believe in what’s possible.
