Adaptability is the ability to be flexible and adapt to changing work conditions and scenarios. In the present context where volatility of markets give rise to uncertainties and complexities, adaptability is key. Organisations increasingly seek employees who can demonstrate this skill by being flexible to adjust to the ever changing situations and work demands.
Adaptability is not only about adjusting but how you respond to change and adapt to it in an effective manner without causing any major setbacks. Learning how to use your soft skills to adapt is a life skill and it will be appreciated both in your personal and professional roles.
| Adaptability defined: The ability to change the behaviour style or method of approach when necessary to achieve a goal. The ability to respond to change with a positive attitude and the willingness to learn new ways to accomplish work activities and objectives. |
There are 2 important points you should remember about adaptability
i. The ability to change the behavioural style or method of approach when necessary to achieve a goal.
ii. The ability to respond to change with a positive attitude and a willingness to learn new ways to accomplish work activities and objectives.
Adaptability is not only about adjusting but how you respond to change and adapt to it in an effective manner without causing any major setbacks. Learning how to use your soft skills to adapt is a life skill and it will be appreciated both in your personal and professional life.
Behavioral indicators of a person who can be deemed good at this essential competency
- Looks for ways to make changes work rather than only identifying why change will not work
- Responds quickly to changing ideas, responsibilities, expectations, trends, strategies and other demands
- Adapts to change quickly and easily
- Makes suggestions for increasing the effectiveness of change
- Shows willingness to learn new methods, procedures, or techniques, resulting from departmental or company- wide change
- Shifts strategy or approach in response to the demands of a situation
- Comfortable with ambiguity and unfamiliar territories
- Seeks commonalities and differences
- Willingness and openness to step-up and learn new skills to excel in a task/job
- Able to wade through a rigid web of information and challenges
- Not wedded to a particular idea or plan; adapt the plan if required based on new information
As you will see in the module, most of these indicators are inter-dependent, meaning, when you try to develop one, you also develop the other. For example, if you show willingness to learn new methods, procedures, or techniques for departmental or company-wide change, you will naturally be willing to step-up and learn new skills to excel in a task. Likewise, if you become comfortable with ambiguity and unfamiliar territories, you will be able to adapt to change quickly and easily.
In this module, we will cover
- Importance of adaptability
- Types of adaptability
- Strategies to develop adaptability
- A technique called ADAPT
Note: Once you finish this module, you will have to take the final assessment.
Let us get started!
