Be wise, adapt to circumstances

Robert Gonye
They say success without a technique means nothing. One then wonders what the outcome of a clear concise strategy would represent. It would mean that nothing or anyone would limit you except how you see yourself and your business in relation to what you have painted your future goals to be.

It’s no lie that we live in a dynamic world which is ever changing, however, not sure if we are changing as fast as compared to our surroundings.

Fact, you are not what you were last year, financially, physically or technologically. I bet your clothes can’t fit because of changes in your body, wardrobe and fashion trends or the price of fashion. I mention all of this to say “life is a series of changes and the only constant is that change will always be there”.

In fact changes occur in every area of your life from health, family, business, maturity and behaviour. Furthermore,  change occurs in different seasons and stages and based on your stage it will determine how you respond or compete because your stage causes you to focus on the important things versus trying to compete with someone or some business in a different stage than you.

A “level 5” leader and business cannot compete with a “level 1” outfit because their strategic focus will be different and while their tactics might seem almost the same, they are totally different when it comes to output.

It is then imperative to draw boundaries and understand what season you are in and which voices you listen to while you transcend from one place/season to the next.

It has nothing to do with who you are, rather where you are going and how you going to get there.

While the past might be a learning curve it’s in no name a determinant because change in itself brings new responsibilities that we might not be ready for and through adaptation perpetuity is established.

Allow me to then share on a few key manoeuvres that when implemented will cause us to benefit immensely from adaptation.

You’ll be a better leader

People who adapt fast tend to excel as leaders. Most of the time they earn the respect of their subordinates, inspire those around them to embrace change, and make the journey well-oiled during the wheel of even the most unanticipated transitions.

In the journal article, “Why Flexible and Adaptive Leadership Is Essential”, an excerpt notes: “When a sudden, unusual business event threatens to disrupt normal operations, a rapid but appropriate response is needed to minimise the adverse effects for the organisation. How well a leader handles these immediate crises an indicator of flexible and adaptive leadership.”

As a leader, you will always be bound to face situations that require you to make quick decisions about whether or not to change course.

If you’re not able to swivel quickly, your actions could hurt your employees and your organisation as a whole. You will be a better leader by how fast and flexible you lead.

You’ll be happier and more satisfied with life

Real businesses and leaders will constantly meet psychological challenges. Some of us succumb, we feel hopeless, dis-empowered, give up . . . and some rise to challenges, take the knock and learn something from it. Our ability to have life satisfaction, to be happy [and] to have good relationships really depends on our ability to adapt.”

Being adaptable means not feeling hopeless and helpless in the face of change. If you can tell yourself that you have the skills and ability to change yourself, even if you can’t change the situation, you will have figured out the key to being happy regardless of your circumstances.

You’ll be better able to handle career transitions

Sudden loss of a job due to a decline in your industry or some other reason is never an easy decision. What’s your first move? Do you give up, resigning yourself to months of fruitless job hunting? Or do you take stock of your current skill set, and think about how you can reposition yourself or find work in another industry?

Being adaptable can mean less time looking for work, and less stress as you tackle your new job search tasks. You will stop putting off your need to do what it takes to get a job (e.g. getting your resume out there, or getting your resume updated or written in the first place). You’re also more likely to try new jobs or roles, increasing the scope (and likelihood of your success) of your search.

You’ll bounce back more quickly from adversity

Bad things happen to all of us. But if you’re adaptable, you take adversity in stride, never letting it destroy you. You adjust your thoughts and expectations to suit your new reality, rather than dwelling on “what could have been”.

Being adaptable means being irrepressible.  And being irrepressible will get you far in life.

According to A. L. S. a that creates programmes to teach resiliency, believes adaptability is a trait that is a key determinant of success. Education, more than experience or training will not guarantee, a person’s level of resilience, rather what you will to push for as an agenda.

As I conclude there’s a Chinese proverb that says: “The wise adapt themselves to circumstances, as water moulds itself to the pitcher.” Being adaptable means you change yourself to accommodate your circumstances.

This means less time trying to change your circumstances, which may or may not work, and more time adjusting your own attitude and expectations causing you to learn and master you as human or business.

Robert Gonye is a Business Growth Expert and Influencer. He writes in his personal capacity. Comments and views: [email protected]

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