Flexibility and Adaptability How do they impact Career Development?

Flexibility is: The capacity to adjust to the quality and quantity of changes in the work environment. The ability to adapt and work effectively within a variety of situations, and to work with various individuals or groups. Understanding and appreciating different and opposing perspectives on an issue, adapting one’s approach as situations change and changing or easily accepting changes in one’s own department or job requirements.

Adaptability is: The capacity to be able to initiate and welcome change. It allows for a greater readiness and willingness for training and skill development, and facilitates the transition to workplace changes such as technological changes, continuous growth and development in organizations.

The best way to deal with Change is to handle it with EASE: E – Expect it. A – Adapt to it. S – Survive it/embrace it. E – Examine its impact

EASE Expect it – instead of waiting for change to happen and then reacting to it, anticipate it. Rather than resist change, enter into each new situation with an open mind.

EASE Adapt to it – Create a vision of your future (or your range of possible futures) and let changes fall into place around your plan.

EASE Survive it/Embrace it – Acknowledge the force of the change you are facing. Take steps to turn it to your advantage.

EASE Examine its impact – You may experience a wide range of emotions – threat, stress, fear, anxiety, denial, resistance, acceptance, anticipation, excitement, elation, satisfaction.