Posted on May 30, 2012

The Adaptable Leader

Nothing is as constant as change. So why do we resist it? If change is inevitable, why do we find it so hard to adapt to it?

But turn the table and be the one initiating change. You outline the reasons why change is needed, the benefits to others, and yet people still resist. Why?

Change is scary.

Change means loss of control. Change requires energy. Change creates an environment of the unknown.

Therefore, managing change is a function of leadership. And those who embrace the value of adaptability are more effective leaders.

The Value of Adaptability

Adaptability means ability to change and maintain effectiveness in a changing environment.

Note the secret to this important value is maintaining effectiveness. Even if we choose to embrace change, if we don’t find a way to maintain effectiveness – of ourselves and/or our team – then we can’t claim to be adaptable.

Those that embrace the value of adaptability and turn it into a strength possess 7 key qualities:

Ability to recognize what has changed, is changing, or is about to change.
Ability to consider various responses to the change, which are helpful and not hurtful.
Ability to anticipate outcomes to selected responses.
Ability to decide on a course of action that maintains or increases effectiveness.
Ability to implement a course of action, and engage others in supporting it.
Ability to evaluate the consequences of their actions.
Ability to continue the cycle of adaptability for continuous improvement.

In fact, adaptable leaders embrace this value to create continuous change that moves them closer to achieving objectives and reaching their goal.

This doesn’t mean that adaptable leaders never make mistakes. On the contrary, adaptable leaders may make more mistakes because they are willing to decide and take action. And when mistakes are made, they find ways to correct them and even turn them into an advantage.

But maybe you find adaptability difficult to embrace. Maybe some of the qualities listed above do not come easily to you. What can you do?

Developing Adaptability

Here are 7 tips to help you become an adaptable leader:

Embrace your values. Once you have defined your differentiating values, then you have a benchmark for adapting to change. Everything can quickly be divided into three categories: supports your values; contradicts your values; or has no impact.
Leverage your strengths. First you need to identify your key strengths (use assessment tools such as StrengthsFinder 2.0). Then talk about your strengths with your team – and family. You will find it much easier to embrace change in your areas of strengths.
Break your routines. Look for areas you tend to follow routines. Start your day differently (discuss new ideas, approach different people). Do something different at lunchtime (go for a walk instead of eating while you work). Surprise your team – and your spouse – with random acts of kindness and encouragement.
Watch your words. When you catch yourself touting the tried and true or promoting following the rules – stop. Carefully consider if your rigidity is helping or hindering the fulfillment of your mission.
Celebrate your inexperience. In areas you know little or nothing about be open to fail (e.g. starting a new business, hiring a new employee, being newly married, moving to a new city). You will find it easier to embrace change if you approach new areas of your life as an opportunity to learn and grow. Fail forward.
Love your people. The best way to motivate ourselves to change is through love. When you were a child, you did what your parents said even when it was hard because you knew they loved you. When you truly love others – they will love you. And that’s the best motivator for change.
Select your mentors. Look for other adaptive leaders and observe. Try the techniques you see working. Take a leader to lunch and ask them direct questions (e.g. how would you deal with this challenge?). Remember to thank them for their willingness to share.

Just like other skills one can learn, the impact of adaptability multiplies over time. The more you practice it the easy it gets, and the better the outcomes.