Adaptability

by Kris Laufer

In speaking to Inc. Magazine, Steve Jobs once said, “You can’t just ask customers what they want and then try to give that to them. By the time you get it built, they’ll want something new.” This is exactly why adaptability is such an important trait in the workplace. Everything that surrounds us is constantly changing, and it’s critical that we have the skills necessary to adapt to those changes. Adaptability means being willing and able to function in circumstances that are new or unexpected. As your business continues to grow and evolve, your team will face new hurdles and challenges. So inspiring your staff to become more adaptable is more critical than ever. One key thing Steve Jobs taught us is this: If we embrace change, we’ll give birth to creativity and new innovation. However with uncertainty and sometimes frightening changes taking place every day – such as the economy – it can be extremely challenging to embrace change. But adaptability can often turn these hard times into rewarding opportunities. Use this time to learn new things. Developing new skills – or continuing to improve existing ones – will help you succeed and better adapt in a changing world. Always expect the unexpected. When you’re ready for anything, there won’t be any surprises to catch you off guard. Trust yourself. Allow your instincts to lead you, especially in high-stress situations. Remain positive. A positive, can-do attitude will guide you to limitless possibilities. I believe that we all have a natural ability to be creative and innovate. While we may not be the inventors of the next-generation iPhone, we can make a positive difference in the world – in both large and small ways. In what ways can you or your team be more adaptable?