Adaptability desired? No problem for you!

Reading time 6 minutes

Are you adaptable or do you have problems adjusting to a new situation? Adaptability is a key skill in many jobs and in everyday life. But sometimes you want to get your way and not be influenced by the adapted style of others. A mix of individual creativity and some adaptation would be best. But how does that work in reality?

Adaptability - what is it?

What is adaptability anyway? The definition of adaptability depends on whether it is meant as a personality trait, as cognitive or emotional flexibility.
In your private life as well as in the world of work, you will have an easier time if you can handle surprises and changes well. If you are adaptable, difficult situations won't worry you. You keep an overview and overcome obstacles and challenges.

Depending on how adaptable you are, you need a little more or less time for your decisions. Some things you can't come to terms with at all - other difficulties you solve in a creative, relaxed way.

But doesn't adaptability mean that you bend yourself? - That only happens when you go against your convictions and adapt too much. As with so many issues, you are well advised to take the middle course.

Why is adaptability important?

Adaptability and flexibility make it easier for you to cope with difficult situations. A problem doesn't throw you completely off track - instead, you see it as a challenge to approach the matter from a previously unknown direction.

Adaptable people find solutions to problems and see change as an opportunity rather than an obstacle. A certain amount of adaptation helps you to remain open-minded and unprejudiced. Plus, you'll simply have a better chance of success if you don't shy away from new things. It is worthwhile to learn from your comfort zone to get out. You expand your horizons and also overcome the typical fears of difficulties and changes.

xenophobia

Overcome the fear of change: 3 exercises

Would you like to become more adaptable to better exploit your potential? That's a good idea. Keep in mind that adaptability has nothing to do with uncritical submission, and stay true to yourself.

In the Masterclass for more self-confidence you will learn how flexibility and openness to new things increase your willingness to learn and thus your chances of success. At the same time, your Self-confidence. You replace the negative beliefs with positive thoughts and gain more control over your life. Thus, adaptability training leads to a greater degree of self-determination.

8 practical tips to improve your adaptability

You don't feel adaptable enough? Do your colleagues think you're a stubborn lone wolf who lacks teamwork skills? Good news: You can improve your adaptability.

  • Ask if you want to know more about the problematic situations that need to be dealt with. Get to the bottom of the causes - blaming doesn't help.
  • "Active listening" helps to avoid problems or solve them quickly.
  • Do not stop at the old beliefs but examine the situation and also your own actions and thoughts. Don't let yourself be constricted by the supposedly right, known path.
  • Overcome your ego - in the rarest cases it is about you. When communicating, it's better to focus on the actual topic.
  • Look at the current situation from different perspectives and consider several options for Problem solution.
  • Use creativity: brainstorming or other creative techniques can help you find suitable solutions.
  • You cannot change what has happened. Accept it and think about how you can fix the problem. It's not worth brooding and fretting.
  • Take time for (self-)reflection. Did you react correctly or could you have done something better? Don't be too critical, but simply check your flexibility. This mental activity will help you to be better prepared for the next unforeseen situations.

Adaptability in professional life: the key to success

What does adaptable mean on the job? If you can adapt flexibly to new situations, you are on the right track. Difficulties may give you pause, but they don't knock you out right away. In other words, you become more resilient.

With the necessary flexibility and Resilience you also dare to tackle larger tasks and don't immediately shy away. You learn to solve problems - through adaptability and creativity.
In addition to a positive attitude, there are other soft skills that will accompany you on your path to success:

  • Openness,
  • Team Competence,
  • Compatibility and respect,
  • Curiosity and associated ability to learn.

If you've got your Expand adaptability and creative, you develop yourself further - and thus also strengthen your team. It is also important to accept the opinions and attitudes of your colleagues. Adaptability is good - but uncritical cooperation can become a problem.

Present strength

Adaptability in the interview: presenting strength

What to do when questions about adaptability come up in the interview? Simply saying that you are adaptable is not a good answer. Think about the signals for the active listening and prove your flexibility through new approaches.

Pay attention to the other important soft skills that are closely linked to adaptability, such as. Conflict skills and resilience. Don't answer the questions (sometimes trick questions) with rehearsed blanket phrases, but convince the personnel decision-makers with credible statements. Depending on the position you are applying for, a certain level of Uncertainty not necessarily a weakness: this definitely comes across as more honest than exaggerated self-promotion.

The importance of adaptability in relationships

If you are adaptable, you can also adjust well to unforeseen situations in private relationships. If you can put yourself in your partner's shoes, you won't be as aggressive toward him or her in an argument. Moreover, you can find a solution together if you approach the matter flexibly and optimistically.

You think that your circumstances are not one hundred percent the same? That does not have to be a reason for Separation be. Compromises in a partnership are indispensable. Even in friendships, it is not possible without mutual consideration. You always adapt to each other a little. You don't have to give up your convictions for that.

Adaptability and personal development

As you train your adaptability, your self-confidence grows - and your optimism grows stronger, too. Your personal strengths become aware: This is exactly how you find the middle ground between adaptation and self-determination.

The main goal is to overcome everyday and special challenges. You head straight for your success and increase your resilience. So you are no longer so susceptible to stress-related illnesses. So it pays to be more adaptable (not more adapted!).

5 steps to strengthen your adaptability in everyday life

When you train your adaptability, you also recognize when adaptability is required. The following 5 steps will help you do that.

  • Improve your problem-solving skills: Identify the current problem, think about possible solutions, select a suitable path and implement it consistently. Concentrate on the actual state and do not let yourself be influenced by uncontrollable factors.
  • Look at difficult situations as opportunities and train yourself to have a confident attitude. Self-criticism and Self-doubt can set you back. If necessary, get support.
  • Get out of your comfort zone. That way, you'll prepare yourself for change and won't be as easily irritated when unforeseen events occur.
  • Approach new developments with an open mind and without prejudice: If you are open-minded and adaptable, you will recognize changes and be better able to react to them.
  • Start with small changes: Take a different route to work or take small risks. An exotic food, a new sport - there are many little things you can do to overcome the fear of change.

Be adaptable - in your own way

The right adaptability on the job requires a fine sense for the nuances. On the one hand Personal initiative and creativity are required, on the other hand you are supposed to integrate yourself. How does that work?
Embrace change and test new approaches. Let yourself be surprised, but not caught off guard. Perfectionism and fear of change can dampen your courage. But with an optimistic attitude and the necessary adaptability, your motivation will grow - and so will your chances of success.

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