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We all studied Darwin’s theory at school and learned the principles of evolution, but it’s important to remember that the idea of survival is still relevant. Competition in the market and in society obeys the same laws.
It’s not the strongest or the fastest who survive, it’s the one who best adapts to changes. In the fast-paced world, we no longer have centuries to adapt. The level of complexity, uncertainty and inconsistency is growing.
Adaptive thinking is a key skill of the 21st century. In an attempt to live in a dynamic world, we’re exposed to high level of stress that causes exhaustion. That’s why we should be flexible and stress-resilient.
What is adaptability?
Adaptability is the ability to choose an optimal option in the shortest possible time and quickly navigate in crisis, often accompanied by uncertainty and lack of information. Adaptability is considered as a crucial business skill.
Adaptive thinking includes the following skills:
- Ability to anticipate future needs, trends and opportunities;
- Ability to convey these needs to your team;
- Adaptability to changes. It’s a continuous learning and self-regulation;
- Transparency in decision-making and openness to feedback.
There is also adaptive intelligence. It’s a more integrated approach and a whole system that combines several types of thinking. Adaptive intelligence consists of emotional intelligence (EQ), mental intelligence (IQ), and positive intelligence (PQ). This allows not only to adapt to unforeseen changes, but also to start processes that will lead to positive results. This ability is paramount for leaders.
Adaptability coefficient
As part of career development or your business, it’s no longer enough to be just a professional with a high level of emotional intelligence. The adaptability quotient comes to the fore.
The following skills are usually expected to be found during the interview and adaptability assessment:
1. Instead of questions “Tell me how/when…?” you’ll be asked “What if…?”.
Interviewers aren’t interested in the candidate’s experience and the ability to analyze the current situation, but in the ability to simulate a situation in the future with various scenarios.
2. The ability of a person to acquire new skills and knowledge.
Conservatives are too attached to existing knowledge and unable to reskill and perceive the new.
3. Interviewers look for people who are true researchers.
When choosing between “search – consumption”, they never choose the latter. Researchers don’t stop and keep discovering, despite the fact that it can destroy everything.
Basic principles for developing adaptive thinking:
1. Be both a participant and an observer
In addition to being a part of actions in an ever-changing environment, it’s important to be an observer as well. It’s crucial if you want to evaluate the situation, analyze external changes and be less focused on existing experience.
2. Always evaluate your results
Don’t be a prisoner of your past, but analyze the actions taken and their results. It’ll help you adjust your strategy if necessary. By conducting this research regularly, you’ll adapt to a rapidly evolving situation more quickly and efficiently.
3. Admit your mistakes and learn from them
In a state of crisis, you often want to absolve yourself of responsibility for what’s happening and shift the blame onto someone else. It’s a psychological self-defense mechanism. Don’t allow yourself to follow it and admit mistakes. The one who never makes mistakes is a person who never does anything. Mistakes pave the path of development. Identify them, draw appropriate conclusions and move on.
4. Face new challenges and venture into the unknown
This applies to both your professional life and everyday things. Solve mathematical problems when studying liberal arts and learn a new language when having expertise in exact studies. Change your routine in the morning and take new routes. Get your brain out of your comfort zone and put it in situations where your usual experience won’t work.
5. Network with people outside your industry
Public opinion influences our thoughts. If you never change your familiar circle of communication, you limit yourself. Besides, establishing relationships with different people helps you become an effective networker.
Adaptive thinking is the basic concept of our life-management in a world of uncertainties and risks. Emotional stability is key if you want to develop such skills. Read our article about information consumption to learn how to reduce anxiety and focus on one thing at a time.
