The ability to anticipate and respond rapidly to changing conditions; acknowledging we live in an era of global permanent change, agility means taking a proactive approach to change, anticipating challenges and opportunities, a willingness to rethink past assumptions, and readily, willingly, rapidly and effectively adapting to change.
People with this competence:
Manage changing situations and transitions with ease;
Examine situations from many perspectives;
Anticipate the need for change before it is imposed;
Strategically and proactively embrace change;
Are willing to rethink their assumptions;
Are adaptable, flexible and respond rapidly in the face of change;
Learn from experience; and
Adjust their approach to meet the demands of ever-changing situations.
People lacking this competency:
Lack the perspective to deal with changing realities;
Deny, ignore, and/or resist change as it occurs around them;
Are unwilling to explore or be open to the new possibilities that change may bring;
Lack the ability to anticipate and adapt to change;
Blame others for changing circumstances; and
Maintain an inflexible attitude in the face of change.
Development tips:
Acknowledge the normal human responses (phases) of change - denial, resistance, exploration, and new beginnings - and make a commitment to maintaining an open mind toward change and its phases - Ask questions, seek out information, maintain a “big picture” view of world realities, anticipate changes before they occur, and brainstorm possible approaches to dealing with change;
Separate fact from fiction – differentiate what you want to happen from what will or is happening;
Acknowledge what is within your control and what isn’t, and focus on what you can control;
Seek out people who can provide you with support during transitions; and
Be willing to try out new ideas. Be willing to question long-held assumptions.
“It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but those most responsive to change.” - Charles Darwin
Great Resources:
Transitions: Making Sense of Life’s Changes, by William Bridges
Leadership Agility, by Bill Joiner and Stephen Josephs
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