Adaptability

Now more than ever, there is a need for adaptability. Whether it’s an ever changing job market, constant technology advances, the merging of five generations in the workplace, or a society and culture that moves at very fast pace- the need to be responsive to change is key. I recently listened to a @ted talk with venture investor Natalie Fratto who had some awesome insights on the three ways she measures adaptability (or AQ). And GOOD NEWS...similar to IQ (Intelligence Quotient) and EQ (Emotional Intelligence), AQ can also be improved!

So here’s some actionable things you can do to improve your adaptability TODAY:

1. Start asking yourself “What if?” If you’re in a job now, ask yourself “what if technology made my role obsolete?” If you’re a job seeker, ask yourself “what if companies didn’t use online applications? How would I apply for the position I want?” Asking “what if?” Forces us to imagine possible versions of the future and new ways to address potential challenges as opposed to looking to the past for what’s been done already.
2. Get comfortable with “unlearning”- the notion that you’re open to challenging what you already presume to know in order to learn new information, new ways of doing things and new ways of looking at things. Being comfortable with a fairly regular “reset” of what you already know is key to being responsive to change. This is more than just learning (adding new information)- this is about re-learning and often replacing information you already know.
3. Prioritize exploration over exploitation. Fratto explains exploration as a state of constant seeking. It’s still important to celebrate our wins, but equally as important to not be so obsessed with them that we fail to seek out what potential challenges lie ahead. Got that promotion you’ve been wanting? Celebrate and enjoy that. Then think about what challenges you might face and how you’re going to succeed in that role. Excited you got your first job? That’s awesome! Now think about what you are going to learn from this job that will prepare you for the next move in your career.

Ready. Set. Go.