How to be Adaptable in the workplace

In my previous blog, I discussed the meaning of adaptability – explaining it as the ability to adjust to changes in your environment and be “open to change”…

Adaptability in the workplace can manifest itself in various ways.

For example, it may mean being open to new ideas and concepts.

It may also mean the ability to work with people from different departments or backgrounds.

Being adaptable means being willing to change your approach if necessary to reach your goals.

So, how can you be adaptable in the workplace?

Adapt to changes in the mode of work

After the COVID-19 pandemic, many teams have remained in hybrid mode, whilst others are catching onto the hybrid trend due to its flexibility and comfort.

Shift to new technologies and processes

More people now work remotely - necessitating new soft skills like effective communication through video calls or chat software.

Quickly adopting to new technology is where the adaptability skills of a manager will shine.

Demonstrate creative problem-solving

When faced with challenging problems, adaptable managers think creatively and come up with innovative solutions. They can see the big picture and identify opportunities for improvement - even in the face of uncertainty.

Respond to changing priorities

Workplace priorities shift quickly, and managers need to be able to adapt to these changes. This might involve reprioritising tasks, reallocating resources, or reassigning team members to different projects.

Be open to feedback

Adaptable managers willingly accept feedback from their team members and other stakeholders; using this to make changes, adjust their approach, and improve their performance.

A brilliant example of Adaptability is working with diverse people. Photo Jason Goodman Unsplash

Build a diverse team

Adaptable managers recognise the value of diversity in the workplace and actively seek to build teams reflecting a range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

Look out for my next blogs in this series on adaptability – the importance of being adaptable in the workplace, and the benefits of being adaptable in the workplace.

If you’d like to explore the subject of adaptability more deeply, please contact me via Email: russell@theresiliencecoach.co.uk.