In our turbulent times, adaptability, the ability to respond to change, is an absolutely key personal quality. Companies want team members who can accept responsibility and acquire the new skills the situation demands. It is a quality that at the same time helps a person to remain employable even in uncertain times and in a way indispensable. Adaptability can also be monitored, tested and in some ways improved. Here are some tips on how to assess whether your team members or job candidates are adaptable enough.
When talking to people, try asking a "what if" question
People who adapt well to change have the ability to consider multiple possible versions of the future and make their decisions accordingly. During a discussion deliberately try to ask some illustrative question, such as: "What would you do if you lost the bulk of your income overnight?" Or, "What if circumstances prevented customers from visiting your store?" The more relevant scenarios a person is able to come up with, the stronger their vision and ability to think in response to unexpected events.
Some interviewers may tend to ask too many partial questions. It is much more effective to note four key issues and then explore these in depth. An example of a question might be: "Describe some difficult change you have recently undergone at work." Naturally, there could follow: "What would happen if there was a change in XY instead?" This forces the interviewee to consider an alternative past and follow-up.
Instead of the ability to learn, watch for signs of "unlearning"
People who have a high ability to adapt are able to question what they think they already know and constantly rewrite this data with new information. The ability to accept a new perspective and view of things is proof of human adaptability. It is also a useful feature, for example, if you are looking for a job in a different sector.
For example, if you start looking at your practice as a collection of individual skills, and not just as a whole combined into a specific job position, you may find out where else those skills could be useful to you. The same applies to candidates who have already experienced a successful change of field. They will probably also have a higher rate of adaptation and not fear new challenges.
Choose "explorers"
Those who are not afraid to explore new paths are usually able to find more effective solutions to established ways and systems. At the same time, they can break down old habits and bring fresh wind to the company. Even seemingly small changes can enable a major shift.
How to increase your own adaptability?
Let's say you are a marketing expert. Find out what the current trends are that your company is not yet using and become a pioneer to help bridge these gaps. These might be, for example, podcasts in which you can involve other experts from your company, and thus help build quality content marketing.
Do not be discouraged by mistakes; on the contrary, record your failures in a targeted manner. However embarrassed or disappointed we are when viewing our failures, mistakes are a useful tool. They will help you follow your professional steps and encourage you to learn, which is an important element of the ability to adapt.
Do you have a recommendation of your own that has paid off in practice? Then share it with us.
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