…on Adaptability

LEAD your TEAM with Adaptability

Introduction:

Welcome to “…on Adaptability”, the third installment of this series, tailor-made for first-line supervisors embarking on the challenging journey of leadership. As you step into the role of a first-line management position or small unit leader, the weight of expectations from both higher-ups and subordinates can be overwhelming. In this exploration of leadership, we present LEAD TEAM as your compass to guide you through the unpredictable terrain of uncertainty.

The competencies encapsulated in the LEAD acronym: Loyalty, Empathy, Adaptability, and Decisiveness, serve as the foundation upon which you can construct a management style that not only meets but exceeds expectations. The ultimate outcome is the cultivation of positive results within your team: Trust, Efficiency, Accountability, and Motivation.

In a prior blog post titled, “…on Leading,” we delved into the definition of leadership as “The application of a set of skills or competencies that enable the leader to garner the necessary respect from their subordinates and exercise a given authority to guide the subordinates toward an objective.” Building upon this foundation, the first two installments of LEAD TEAM,”…on Loyalty” and “…on Empathy,” explored the intricacies of earning loyalty and understanding the unique situations and concerns of your subordinates.

Leadership in the Face of Change:

“Improvise, adapt, and overcome;” a mantra etched into the ethos of the US Marine Corps, resonates not only in military endeavors but also as a fundamental philosophy for leaders across diverse fields. This mindset, essential for overcoming challenges, extends beyond the military to encompass all leaders. The disruptions caused by the corporate and government responses to the global pandemic in 2020 serve as a poignant example. Businesses, irrespective of their nature, had to pivot swiftly, and those unable to adapt faced the harsh reality of closure.

Adaptation, a critical leadership skill, is not to be confused with Adaptive Leadership theory. While the latter focuses on mobilizing groups to triumph over tough challenges, our emphasis lies in leaders flexing and adapting to the ever-evolving scenarios they encounter. Delving deeper into the realms of adaptive leadership theory can enrich your understanding and complement your ongoing leadership development.

Adaptability: A Leader’s Imperative in the Face of Uncertainty

“No plan survives first contact with the enemy.” This is a poignant reminder adapted from the wisdom of Helmuth Karl Bernhard Graf von Moltke, commonly known as Moltke the Elder. This timeless insight underscores the unpredictable nature of operations and planning. As leaders, the ability to adapt to new or changing environments is not just a valuable skill; it is an inherent strength.

Adapting within your team may well be one of the most formidable challenges encountered as a front-line supervisor. The loss of a skilled team member has the potential to disrupt established workflows significantly. I recall a situation where I inadvertently became overly dependent on the competence and exceptional skills of a highly talented employee. With no open positions within our agency for him to be promoted, he chose to transfer to another agency. The void left by his departure reverberated throughout the team, impacting our workflow and productivity.

Distributing the workload among less-competent employees proved to be a complex task, leading to a reevaluation of my personal workflow and time management rhythm. In an attempt to bridge the gap, I took on much of the workload myself until a suitable replacement could be found; an endeavor that proved more challenging than anticipated.

The experience highlighted the critical role of adaptability in leadership. Overcoming the challenges posed by unexpected changes required not only a reshaping of personal workflows but also a commitment to training and supporting less-capable team members. Some tasks, unfortunately, never transitioned back into the hands of the team, becoming an accepted part of my responsibilities as a supervisor.

Overcoming Challenges: Embracing Change and Building Resilience

Resistance to change is a common human inclination. The act of breaking away or being pulled away from what is considered normal can evoke anxiety, especially for managers. However, embracing change is not merely a necessity; it is an opportunity for growth. The disruptions caused by unexpected challenges should be viewed not as setbacks but as opportunities to gain experience and fortify resilience.

“Nobody ever learned anything by doing it right the first time.” This timeless adage encapsulates the essence of embracing adversity. Challenges and disruptions provide a unique chance for growth and learning. Rather than fearing the unknown, leaders should welcome adversity, adapting and improvising their approach to overcome challenges.

The triad of improvising, adapting, and overcoming challenges and adversity is integral to effective leadership. Embracing an adaptive mindset and being ready to change direction at a moment’s notice establishes a solid foundation for success. Knowing that a plan may never survive first contact with the challenges ahead, proactive leaders will establish contingency plans to be ready to adapt to change.

Encouraging Adaptability in Your Team

Encouraging adaptability within your team is not only a leadership imperative but also a strategic advantage. Cross-training your employees in the responsibilities of others equips them with the knowledge and experience needed to adapt to changes seamlessly. This proactive approach not only fosters a culture of adaptability within the team but also ensures that the organization is well-prepared to navigate unforeseen challenges.

In closing, leadership is a dynamic journey characterized by continuous adaptation. By embodying adaptability and resilience, leaders go beyond merely steering their teams; they guide them through challenges, emerging stronger together. Embrace change not as a threat but as an inevitable part of the leadership landscape. Your ability to navigate uncertainty with poise and adaptability will determine not only your success as a leader but also the success of your team.