In our series on leadership attributes, we now look at adaptability. Being adaptable is essential for leaders. If you are not adaptable, you are not going to be a successful leader. Our world, and certainly our work world, is constantly changing, and not just in the technology we are required to learn. Leaders have to be adaptable in order to meet the changing needs of customers and their own organizations.
In the organization in which I worked, half of my career was in the Administrative Services (support services) department, and half in the IT department. Moving to the IT department was a major change for me, but one I look back at as a very good move. Because I didn’t have an IT degree, or grow up in the IT department, I sought out an IT mentor to help me with the basics of technology.
At times during my career, I served as a professional development manager (focusing on the people on my team and their development) and at other times as a manager/service manager (focusing on both the people on my team and their development and their work).
At one time late in my career, it looked like we would not need as many Service Managers (directing work and having people responsibilities). At that time, I sought out a Project Manager mentor, which helped prepare me in the event I would transition to that role.
Throughout my career, I would move to a new assignment every few years. I would need to learn the specifics of the area I moved to, such as building maintenance, communications, data security, learning and development, or service management. To help me make the transition, I would get involved with the professional industry organization related to the subject matter.
Near the end of my career, I was given the opportunity to remotely lead a team in Atlanta as well as one individual in Phoenix. I reached out to two managers I respected who had experience with leading remote teams to prepare myself for this opportunity.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, and continuing to this day, at least to some extent, leaders have had to adapt to lead their teams that are working at home, while they are also at home. They have had to use skills that they have not had to use in the past.
The pace of change is greater than ever, and is only expected to increase in the future. Leaders need to be flexible and adaptable, if they are going to succeed.
What would you add to these thoughts about leaders being adaptable?
Note: Taken from my new book:
A LEADER WORTH FOLLOWING: 40 Key
Leadership Attributes and Applications to Master
