Three Ways to Improve Adaptability
Welcome to our next entry of The Q. We know that traditional measures of intelligence (IQ) fail to account for the full range of smarts required to succeed as a leader. In this new series, we’ll explore other skills great leaders possess and practical steps you can take to improve your own abilities.
Did you know that of the roughly 7.5 billion people on Earth, 4.5 billion use the Internet? Did you know there are over 22 billion Internet-connected devices in the world and counting? And how about the fact that until 1900, the amount of human knowledge doubled every 100 years, while today it doubles approximately every 12-13 hours.
All of this connectivity, innovation and information adds up to a world that continues to change rapidly and shows no signs of slowing down. To succeed as a leader in our ever-evolving world, the ability to adapt is crucial.
The good news is that humans are one of the most adaptable species on the planet. Our brains and social structures are resilient to all sorts of changes, whether they’re cultural or environmental. On a personal level, even if you find change hard to cope with, keep in mind that adaptability is something you can get better at with practice. Take a listen to the TED Talk below and learn more about three strategies you can use to improve your own adaptability.
‘What If’ Questions
Often, leaders are judged by and and rely upon their track record. Don’t get me wrong, having a record of success is important, but equally important as a leader is not resting on your laurels. New problems demand new solutions. Instead of looking to the past when you face a challenge, try asking yourself “what if” questions.
At the Ambassador Leadership Summits, students work in teams to create and present a capstone project. Their projects bring up many “what if” questions. Indeed, students have to predict possible hurdles that might stand in the way of their progress and provide solutions. We do this to help improve students’ adaptability and grit. The more readily a student problem solves rather than quits in the face of obstacles, the more likely they are to succeed at implementing their project.
So the next time you experience a challenge, rather than reflect on the past to find a fix, try brainstorming as many new solutions as possible. The process of simulating workable scenarios will make you more adaptable no matter the ultimate outcome.
Unlearning
This one may seem counter-intuitive, but it’s actually the key to learning even more than you already know. Researchers have a technical term for this concept; they call it neural plasticity. Simply put, our brains are amazingly malleable. We can learn, unlearn and relearn just about anything.
Unlearning means continuing to question and challenge what you think you already know. It’s a process of asking yourself to re-imagine the concepts or ideas you believe to be fixed.
A recent example of this would be what’s happened to schooling since COVID-19 began. The word “school” likely conjures up a similar image for all of us. We think of a building or set of buildings where students, teachers and administrators come together every weekday to learn, work and socialize in groups. Of course, because of the pandemic, we’ve all had to “unlearn” that concept and re-imagine how learning, working and socialization can happen when we can’t be together in one place.
As Natalie Fratto mentions in her TED Talk, unlearning takes time and can be an exercise in frustration until you get it right. However, it’s also an extremely powerful way to get creative in your thinking and remain open to change.
Exploration vs. Exploitation
In her TED Talk, Natalie Fratto explains this strategy as “proactively seeking out” new information and ideas so you can better anticipate upcoming changes. Said another way, just because something worked once, doesn’t mean it will always work.
As you grow into your leadership and find a style that works for you, you may be inclined to repeat your winning formula no matter the circumstances. But that “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” mentality can lead to stagnation. Exploring new leadership styles, seeking out new ideas or trying out a new skill are all ways to strengthen your leadership and keep things fresh. As Fratto says, never let your past success become “the enemy of your adaptability potential.”
By Corie Bales
Corie is the Academic Affairs Manager of Ambassador Leaders. As a lifelong educator and avid traveler, she believes in empowering students and teachers to learn and lead through experiential education.