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Developing Adaptability In The Workplace
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In today’s work environment, change occurs a lot faster than ever before. Due to this, developing the skill of adaptability has become particularly important. Professionals may find themselves playing different roles and utilising various skills as the demands to do more, and to do better, increase at the workplace.
Here is a list of few changes and ways to deal with those changes to help professionals develop adaptability:

1. The direction of growth:

Soon, growth will be seen in performing different roles, having new experiences, and learning new skills. When one thinks about their career path, growth is usually spoken about in one direction—upwards. But this expectation is changing. For employees, this could look like increasing their awareness about new challenges in their fields, taking immediate decisions, or learning alternate but relevant skills.

What you can do: 

  • Work in collaborative environments. Identify colleagues, friends and acquaintances who can teach you more - not just in terms of technical skills, but also habits, routines and other characteristics that might be useful. Consider sharing information with them, ensuring that your growth is in sync with the changing context.
  • You could benefit by thinking like an innovator within the setting. Ask yourself what ideas and processes you would follow if you could create change in your workplace? Feel free to speak your ideas openly since the quality of taking the initiative will be recognised.

 

2. Change your attitude by focusing on:

  • Creativity – Use your imagination to approach a problem differently and shake up predictable things. This can help make your work more exciting and interesting.
  • Thoughtfulness – A humane approach that involves thoughtfulness and personal rapport with someone else cannot be replaced. When this is compared to something more transactional, the former approach is more likely to stand out than the latter.
  • Meaning – Asking ourselves about what could add more purpose and meaning to our work could change the way we feel about our jobs. For instance, ask yourself- what could add more purpose and meaning to what is being done daily? Is someone being helped through your work? Are you making someone’s job easier? Are you contributing to knowledge that can be used for someone’s benefit? Asking ourselves these questions could change the way we feel about our jobs. Something that feels like a very routine and mundane structure can turn out to be a source of inspiration and innovation.

3. Develop sustainability and stay relevant by being:

  • Adaptable and flexible – Hear out the requirements of a situation to see where accommodation can be made for maximum benefit. Being adaptable in the face of constant change is a great quality to have.
  • Self-starter – Be capable of recommending options, suggestions and showing initiative to handle challenges. Take the initiative to build a pool of resources that could be circulated among your colleagues.
  • Independent – Have resources and contacts independently to get things done. This could ensure that you don’t need constant follow-ups from seniors or colleagues.
  • Accountable – Be watchful of your own deadlines and be personally responsible for them.
  • Upskilling – Check around for workshops, seminars and meetings that can help you update your skills. Doing so can benefit you both professionally and personally.

The nature of workplaces is changing, and this requires one to make certain changes themselves to ensure growth, sustainability and fulfilment. By keeping in mind the possible changes and how you can adapt to them, you are sure to ride the wave of change with ease!

If the information in this article has got you thinking and you would like to discuss this further, please call us on 1800-258-8999 or 1800-258-8121. Our counsellors would be happy to help you.

 

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