“It is not the strongest species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the most responsive to change”: Charles Darwin Being adaptable is such a sought after skillset in modern living however how do people successfully adapt? The Military have a saying that a plan never survives the first contact with the enemy. When I spent time with Military personnel, I found this an odd statement considering how much planning would go into each operation. Through observations and questions it became apparent that, by planning different eventualities and outcomes they would be able to adapt to the situation much more effectively than if they have no plan or worse a plan that wasn't working and they kept trying it. This concept of adapting from a plan was also apparent during my time with The Comedy School. Improvised comedy is a remarkable skill that utilises the highest level of listening skills to create the effect of improvisation.
Although no performance is ever the same, the structure around the performance remains familiar while the words, content and context is different for each performance.
"Everybody has a plan until they get punched in the face." - Mike Tyson
These are a few things to be aware of to help you plan, adapt and navigate change.
1. Have a clear outcome (Goal) that you intend to achieve. By knowing what this is, you can adjust your actions based on the situation.
2. Recognise incoming punches. Branching off from Mike Tyson's quote. If we can identify what threats we may need to adapt to, we can then explore a few and plan the options to avoid getting hit.
3. Growth mindset. This term does get branded around a lot, however, when dealing with setbacks or reduced immediate successes, we need to keep our positive growth mindset. 'We are going to get through this'. 'Not quite, but nearly there'. 'I feel the wind is changing in our favour'.
4. Surround yourself with the right people. This sounds easy however the right people can have so many varying interpretations. Yes men, supporters, opposers, movers, followers, challengers, bystanders and cheerleaders. These are all needed in their own right however they all need to be aligned with the desired outcome goal.
5. Normality and routine. As expected, change will change normality and could impact routine. It is important that you control what you are able to. If you have a meeting each week at the same time, keep it running where possible. Disrupting routine when you have control can easily lead to uncertainty and unrest. Keep the anchors attached to the boat to avoid being taken away by the current.
6. Keep communicating. Through change you have to manage all the stakeholders who could be impacted. Even if there is not much to update people on, communicating that in itself is valuable. This will reduce the whispers and any unsettling thoughts. If you are managing people through change, by having this regular communication lets people know that you are thinking about them. During change, we all want to know that our tribe is together and we want to feel a part of that tribe. We want to feel safe and protect.
7. Listen and action. At some point there will be the opportunity to move on from the change. When that opportunity reveals itself you have to be ready to act. Have your plan, keep adapting and moving towards your desired outcome.
8. Set performance and process goals. Many people misinterpret movement with progress, however by having clear performance and process goals you can see progress and little wins. These should be celebrated if appropriate.
Your mentor can help you understand the change and provide support from a non emotional outside perspective. Their aim is not to advise you what to do but to help you navigate the change.
Your Journal can also be a powerful reflective tool to share your thoughts and feeling on the situation and can create clarity in what you can action.
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