Have you noticed changes in your industry, or unexpected requests, and are struggling to keep up? Being flexible in the workplace is critical when it comes to adapting to change.
Flexibility involves having an open, team-centered attitude, and retaining a strong sense of identity and purpose. Here are seven ways that you can achieve this:
Focus on values and culture
Having key attributes that don’t change can help keep you grounded throughout periods of change. Using your company’s values and culture will help you when deciding what you can and cannot do when you receive unexpected requests.
Be Open-Minded
You’ll likely find it easier to understand and manage a situation if you look at it from different perspectives. For example, if you’re looking to launch a new product, you might first like to analyze it from different viewpoints.
How will it fit into the marketplace, for instance? What will the impact be on your production process, and your sales and marketing teams? How do you think your customers will react to it?
Make it a priority to listen to and understand the views of the other people involved. If your manager asks you to help out on an urgent project, for example, consider how it will benefit the team or your career, rather than simply thinking, “Oh no, not more work!”
Be Optimistic
It may be hard to stay positive when you understand a large, pressing challenge is on the horizon. But, looking on the bright side and focusing on the positives will assist you to stay resilient and focused. A break or change in your routine will be an opportunity to analyze new skills, or to work with different colleagues, new customers or new suppliers.
Remain Calm
When expectations shift suddenly, it can be disconcerting and you might find that you begin to feel anxious. Counter the outcomes of stress (such as lack of focus and impaired decision making) by taking steps to restore calm.
Plan Ahead
Even if you can`t predict the future, you may nonetheless plan for the unexpected.
Anticipating the next new development, measuring dangers and getting ready for them, are key skills. For example, if you are pitching a service or product to a potential client, it is a very good idea to think about the questions that they could ask, and to put together your solutions beforehand.
If you’re looking to be more felixible in the workplace but need assistance on learning these techniques, contact a expert business coach in Vancouver today!
