Adaptability- A Key Skill in the Covid Era

Coping with economic slump

The beginning of 2020 dawned as a bitter pill. We are witnessing the slowdown of the world economy as result of this pandemic.  Majority of the businesses are struggling to sustain and revive and so are the stakeholders associated with these businesses.  Organizations are struggling to re-align with the new normal. Adaptability is one of the most valued skill of their workforce which companies are counting on.

These are unprecedented times, and we are in an uncharted territory trying to find our way through.

Experts worldwide have agreed that this pandemic has reshaped our businesses and office spaces. It has forced us to adapt to the new normal. In the most basic terms, Adaptability is a skill that enables us to adjust our behaviors and actions as per new conditions.

The year 2020 is the year of those individuals who are successfully adapting themselves to the chaos incurring due to these tumultuous times.

The good news is that the skill of Adaptability can be cultivated and learned.

Here are 5 ways to cultivate and develop this skill :

1. Adopt a solution-centric approach

If there is one thing that this pandemic has taught us, it is that Change is the only Constant thing in this world. Customer Service and Experience Expert Shep Hyken says that Necessity is the mother of Adaptation. Indeed this pandemic has pushed the teams of majority of companies globally to adapt to the new normal. Adopt a more solution-centric approach.

People who have the ability to look for solutions rather than focus on problems are the ones who can easily adapt to any trying situation. It is imperative to focus on “What can be” instead of “What has been” to develop the skill of Adaptability.

2. Develop a curious mindset

 In my previous article – 5 Reasons to develop a Curious Mindset , I have written about how curious people always have an upper edge in every walk of their lives. In today’s context it has become all the more important to cultivate and develop a curious mindset. Embrace this time of struggle with openness and seeing possibilities to not only survive but also thrive. If we adopt a curious temperament we will find ourselves open to fresh ideas and create value for our stakeholders.

Individuals who have the ability to adapt easily to any condition have a strong sense of curiosity which enables them find “out –of- the box” solutions.

3. Let go of your attachments  

We may have spent hours, weeks, days and months, planning and preparing our strategies and budgets in the 2019 for the year ahead. Yet, the Covid era has taught us a grave lesson.

Nothing is permanent.  

Elizabeth Heath quotes in the Washington Post that “Learning to be comfortable with being uncomfortable is what will get us through this pandemic.”

Organizations that are willing to adapt are always willing to let go of their attachments. They strive to transform their weakness into their strength by adopting a tough mindset and switch from Plan A to Plan B whenever required. Same is with individuals who do not mull over when the situations get rough. Plans can be reshaped.

Develop a sense of letting go to cultivate the skill of adaptability. After all, companies today are looking for professionals who can find new ways of implementing old plans which are no longer relevant.

4. Strengthen your network

As difficult as this pandemic has made our lives with the new normal standards of maintaining physical distancing, wearing masks and working from home most of the times, it has also presented an opportunity to stay digitally connected with people via various social media platforms. This is the right time to connect with new people. Don’t shy away from exploring network groups.

People who have the ability to adapt, demonstrate and practice the skill of strengthening their network by staying connected with others frequently. It helps in sharing their personal experiences and challenges. It lends assurance and builds trust. Apart from this , staying connected with people around us improves our chances of exploring alternative solutions and exchanging quality ideas. It helps them to cope , thrive and ride the wave. 

5. Stay Optimistic

Optimism in times like these is imperative. We are in the middle of a global emergency and as we fight this battle it is important to continue to keep our faith in the ability of human intelligence and our ability to victoriously cross the dark tunnel.

William Arruda writes in his article that ‘we need to focus on the positive so that we have the energy and resolve needed to weather this storm’.

It’s time to count our blessings. People, who have the ability to adapt, always make a deliberate attempt to keep a positive mind-set. This ability keeps them charged up to handle situations better and reduce stress. Staying optimistic is the key to developing the skill of adaptability.

The skill of Adaptability has always been an important skill at work. Under the present circumstances, however, it has become the most important skill that companies are looking for their employees. In personal life as well, the skill of Adaptability helps in coping with stress. Develop this skill by practicing the above mentioned approaches. This would help you to become better adjusted with the surroundings.