Flexibility is maintaining effectiveness in different situations – changing tactics and improving skills in an ever changing environment.

The ability to be flexible is an essential ingredient of any business. It is crucial to be flexible in our approach to the working environment. There is one thing certain in business and that is change. Our Vision, Values and Objectives may remain fixed but our Strategies, Targets, Goals and approach must remain flexible throughout.

Here are a few tips for your consideration:

Adapts to short-term priorities

–      Is flexible about short-term priorities.

–      Deals effectively with several tasks and priorities at the same time.

–      Remains open minded to new ideas, new ways of working and wider change.

–      Maintains own effectiveness through change.

–      Learns from experience, success and failure.

Changes in line with wider priorities

• Changes own approach in line with new priorities in the team.
• Adapts own style and language when dealing with different people.
• Keeps up-to-date with specific technical and functional skills.
• Is open to feedback from others, taking time to listen.
• Understands own limitations and proactively seeks support for own development.
• Reflects on situations and learns from experience.

Shapes direction

• Adapts team approach in line with a more strategic perspective.
• Takes a proactive approach, thinking ahead and thinking across the business.
• Sees things from multiple views – able to step into other people’s shoes.
• Has a flexible management style.
• Has a real thirst for knowledge; is constantly seeking new ideas and experiences.
• Proactively seeks and acts upon feedback about own performance.

Shapes strategy

• Makes significant changes to strategy to drive performance.
• Implements and manages significant business change effectively.
• Encourages others to think creatively and bring forward new ideas.
• Creates an open culture that shares ideas and learns from mistakes.

There is an old saying “If you always do what you always did, you will get what you always got”. So keep your eyes open and listen to what is taking place around you. Ask the appropriate questions, using your knowledge and experience to remain flexible at all times.

“A flexible approach keeps us all healthy.”