Adaptability is a Valued Skill in Tough Times
February 4, 2021 – The past year has been a true test of our adaptability. In just a short period of time, we have experienced a country-wide shut down, massive layoffs and businesses forced to have their workforce go remote, putting many of us in a situation that required us to quickly change how we operated, not by choice but because we had to. Over time, this experience taught us how to be open, flexible and accept what stood before us. In short, we adapted.
Those who have overcome the many challenges placed before them over the tough past year have proven to themselves and others that they are motivated to tackle any moving part that confronts them, says Sheila Greco, of SGA Talent, in a new report. “This action speaks volumes today and will tomorrow because as we recover from this awful event, certain leaders no doubt will be looking for those who have prevailed,” she said. Being able to adapt can be all about an approach and attitude to change. “Another way to think about this is to consider it simply as stepping outside of your comfort zone,” said SGA Talent. “Taking on a new role, learning a new skill or helping a team member with a task, can all be very rewarding. Again, adapting has it benefits.”
What will this event have taught us? Adaptability is a soft skill that leaders and corporations value in the workplace. “From what I am hearing, once COVID-19 becomes an event of the past, leaders more so than before, will be looking for those who successfully navigated through these challenging times, seeking out those who embraced learning new skills and behaviors,” said Ms. Greco. “Leaders will want to hear how candidates demonstrated their adaptability in their role and how they effectively responded.”
Embracing Change
For those who responded well, this will establish the fact that they are able to work well on their own and with the team,” said the report. “As for leaders, it indicates the ability to solve problems and to trust their judgement when faced with difficult decisions recognizing what may have worked in the past is not necessarily the right answer now.”
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How adaptable have you been during these times? If you have been open to change and embraced it, you are moving in the right direction. “If not, seize the opportunity that is in front of you and become that valuable player every team desires,” said the report.
Essential Leadership Skills for Challenging Times
As the economy continues its rapid transition toward automation, the customer experience field requires strong leadership to keep customers engaged. Soft skills, such as communication and emotional intelligence, will be the skills that set the best leaders apart from the mediocre, according to a new report by Christopher Rios of Blue Rock Search.
To help, Ms. Greco suggests envisioning yourself succeeding in your new role and watch the benefits unfold. “Work hard, go for it and prove to yourself you can do it,” she said. “As you adapt, be confident. Ask your leader to set goals for you and you too set your own goals so you can see yourself improve. See each challenge to improve and learn. As you adapt and learn, you will become a utility player to which many companies and hiring managers want, not to mention you too will benefit from everything that you learned during your journey.”
Ms. Greco cited six key benefits of adapting:
- Earns respect of the team by inspiring others, showing you embraced the change
- Helps with the challenge of change, allowing yourself to accommodate the circumstances
- It helps adjust your attitude and expectations.
- You will win over employers who will be increasingly wanting professionals who can adapt to an ever-changing workplace.
- It will be easier when changes in your career occur.
- Overall, you will be a much more valuable employee and team player.
She also suggested four ways to become more adaptable at work:
- First and foremost – Get out of your comfort zone and embrace change.
- Be positive.
- Learn from those who are masters at the skills you are trying to gain.
- Listen and ask questions. If at first you don’t succeed, try it again, and don’t give up until you get it.
Established in 1989, SGA Talent combines the continuity and business acumen of a 28-year-old recruitment research and strategic recruiting solutions company with a practical forward-looking, results-driven approach. The firm is based in Amsterdam, NY.
Ms. Greco is a proven leader with over 30 years of recruiting experience. In addition to managing the firm, she leads SGA Talent’s engagements for senior level positions for many of the company’s long-standing clients, with a particular expertise in professional services, healthcare, consumer packaged goods and manufacturing. As an industry expert, Ms. Greco has developed trusted relationships with talent acquisition leaders and human resources at Fortune 1000, start-ups, as well as emerging growth companies.
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Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief; Dale M. Zupsansky, Managing Editor; and Stephen Sawicki, Managing Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
