In the competitive world of business, companies must adapt to changing requirements or perish at the hands of competitors who are better able to adapt. Many of the problem’s leaders are called upon to solve are ambiguous, i.e., the exact nature of the problem and the source of it are unclear. Leaders must effectively deal with ambiguity, uncertainty, and risks.
Flexible, adaptive leaders are able to quickly develop new insights into situations, questions conventional approaches, and encourages new ideas and innovations that implement new or cutting-edge programs/processes. A strong leader is always open to change and new information, adapting behavior or work methods in response to new information, changing conditions, or unexpected obstacles.
Talking to your coach. Today, did you adapt your methods to the particulars of the situation? Yes or No? Using your own measure of success, once a day or throughout the day tell your coach why you have—or haven’t—been flexible and adaptable. Making the journal entry will stimulate your thinking about what adaptability means in leadership situations. Your coach will ask questions, not expecting an answer, but rather to make you aware of cues and reinforcers that drive the habit.
