Change at Work: The Power of Adaptability by Kimberly A. Ferguson

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Kimberly A. Ferguson is the owner and Principal L&D Consultant at K-Ferg Training. An official member of the Forbes Coaches Council, she was a previous BOSS Network Influencer and a recipient of the BOSS Leader in Motion Award. Kimberly has contracted with countless organizations to provide training and coaching programs to their employees. Through these programs, Kimberly continues to help others align passion, purpose, competencies, and relevant action to yield meaningful results.

In the world of work, change is inevitable. It is one of the few things in life that we can be sure of.  Everything changes: 

  • technology is ever evolving and advancing. 

  • people grow and develop… they change, and relationships change.

  • processes change.

  • ideas and perspectives change.


    • But if we embrace an adaptability mindset, we can more effectively flex in the face of change and challenges. Adaptability is a power-skill that enables us to be intentionally flexible, changing in an effort to work more efficiently in new or changing environments or situations. It is not just attitude, and it is not just action. It is a blending of both. As professionals, we must embrace a mindset that it is open to change --- no matter how uncomfortable or inconvenient that change may be.

    What are the benefits of adaptability?

    Adaptability helps you face challenges: People who demonstrate true adaptability at work are better prepared to manage change and face workplace challenges. Their mindset embraces challenges, demonstrates resiliency and welcomes change.

    Strengthens Leadership Skills: Demonstrating adaptability is a great way to strengthen one’s leadership muscle because the truth is: the more you show an ability to flex, the more you lean on other leadership power skills to get the job done. Adaptability is a KEY leadership quality.

    Adaptability helps you stay relevant: Professionals who show that they are flexible, willing to make changes for the betterment of the organization, and not afraid to respectfully challenge organizational norms to resolve issues – position themselves to remain relevant throughout their careers.

    How can you get better at adapting in the face of change?

    Here are a few of the tips I cover in my Adaptability at Work Training classes. These tips will help you embrace change and overcome the inherent challenges:

    Welcome the change: We must acknowledge, understand, and welcome the change. In order to move forward, we really have to be okay with the challenge that has presented itself, and ready to address it.

    Embrace a Can-Do Approach: Let’s stop talking about what cannot be done, and instead focus on a positivity-laden approach. How? Remove the negative thoughts about what is ahead. Avoid negative-speak, and instead focus on what can be done. Because the world of work is quickly changing, we must be ready and prepared to try new things and take calculated risks in order to bring about progress.

    Use Your Resources. The great thing about the 21st Century is that we literally have information at our fingertips. Use the resources to which you have access to gather the information you need. This is not just limited to technology. Make sure you lean on your own knowledge, skills, and abilities. In addition, use your network. Accessing and using a combination of resources can help you put together a winning plan.

    When thinking about adaptability, remember that it is okay be uncomfortable. Change is not always easy but it gets easier when we embrace an adaptability mindset and couple that with the right strategy.


Learn more about Kimberly at Website: www.kfergspeaks.com

Twitter: @kfergspeaks
IG: @kfergspeaks


Photo Credit: Vecteezy.com

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