One needed element for a successful workplace environment, in today’s world, is adaptability. The ability for the organization, as a whole, to adapt to changes in the economy and buying practices of the public, to overcome new competition or to meet the needs of the self-aware employee who is looking for advancement or growth within your structure.
You add that to the overall uncertainty of our world today and adaptability is more crucial than ever. Here’s how your organization can be more effective in that area: * Go back to your mission/purpose statement. Believe it or not, when change is happening all around you and you’re not sure which way to adapt, going “back to the beginning” can bring a clarity that might have gotten lost in the shuffle. Spend some time reflecting on why your business exists and what it is that your employees, and customers, are looking for from you. Why did you initially join the organization? What characteristics did you see that appealed to you? Are those characteristics still evident? *Be open to suggestions from others. While this may seem to be a no-brainer, not everyone behaves this way. Sometimes one can get so engrossed in the daily challenges of business, or in the mode of “we’ve always done it this way,” that you can lose sight of some of the most obvious needed adjustments. Many times the criticism that you receive from unhappy customers or employees can be your greatest areas for growth. This is not about trying to make everyone around you happy; it is about being open to listening, not just hearing, what others have to say.
*Keep lines of communication open. Anytime there is a change, it is important to communicate to those around you so they understand what is happening and why. Not that you need to justify it, unless of course you feel compelled to, but to instill confidence and the desire to follow you and your lead. With the disposal of thousands of jobs taking place, it is relatively easy to forget about those left behind. Don’t forget about the people that are still in your office on a daily basis. Take the time to talk with them and keep a pulse on the workplace environment. It is times like these that people need a stronger leader than ever before.
*Don’t go too far. Michael Jackson is an example of this. There is lots of PR going on about him and his adaptations; unfortunately he has taken it too far. He was at the top-of-his-game during my late teenage years and I was a huge fan of his. During that time I could not get enough of him and his music and needless to say, I have been one of those people glued to the television to watch those special reports about him and his life. On the NBC DateLine show of Monday, February 17, 2003 Donald Trump was being interviewed about his friendship with Michael. The interviewer was talking about the obvious surgeries Michael has had throughout his life and asked Donald why he didn’t stop him. Donald said, “Michael does not listen to anyone but himself.” Which takes us back up to point number two and solidifies my point.
Above and beyond everything else, the ability to adapt is a mind-set; whether you are a small business owner with one employee or a large corporate structure, you still have a workplace culture. That culture will determine your success or failure. If you are rigid and not willing to look at alternatives you may be considered a “dinosaur” and therefore not able to attract the kind of people that you need or want. If you have changed your focus to a new arena, have all the areas of your company caught up? Has the communication been clear as to what is expected? Do people feel that you are open to listening to them?
During the greatest times of change is when people need a bit of stability around them and it is up to you, as the leader, to create that stability while remaining adaptable.
Peggy L. McNamara works with organizations that want to Stimulate Some
Action and with association executives that want inspiring, practical
value from their events. Author of “My Tender Soul – A Story of Survival”
Publishes monthly e-zine, “Perpetual Life Management” President/Minnesota
Chapter/ Nat’l Speakers Assoc 651-438-2656 – direct 651-438-2694 – fax
888-269-7771 http://www.peggymcnamara.com
