Flexibility may just be the key to unlocking your potential as a leader.
But what does it truly mean for a leader to be “flexible,” and why is it important for leaders to strive for this way of thinking? The simple answer: even the greatest leaders can’t control all factors of their business. In fact, a tremendous amount of time would be lost trying to do so. Take the aftermath of the pandemic, for example. Between supply shortages and employee shortages, leaders today have all had to adapt to this new normal in order to stay on top.
At the core of every great leader lies the ability to manage and maintain business when changes occur and, most importantly, to be able to adapt and become greater from those changes. To respond to challenges more quickly and easily, it’s essential to be ahead of the curve and assess your internal and external standpoints.
Externally, look at how the world around you is changing and how you might be able to proactively make business changes that will better your team for success in the near future. Flexibility in this viewpoint requires leaders to think more logically. Ask yourself, “Are there opportunities to change our process to outperform and better succeed?”
Internally, think about your approach. Sometimes this is the most challenging part for leaders — many have difficulty changing their own tendencies when they’re set in certain ways. In this viewpoint, flexibility requires leaders to think more empathetically: “How can I better listen to my team and be open to new ideas?”
Every business will face a certain level of unforeseen factors. The good news is that absorbing flexibility into your leadership style can create a sense of steadiness when unexpected variables arise. Plus, the more you’re challenged, the better you adapt to new situations and solve problems as they emerge. There are two key beneficiaries to a leader’s adaptability:
We all know there is value in investing in employee well-being. When you actively become a more flexible leader, in addition to improving yourself, you’re also making strides to better your team. By listening to your team and considering all possible viewpoints, you’re showing that you’re self-aware enough to value others’ opinions and continuously strive to learn. This vulnerability and trust in your team is often met with trust from your team.
Flexibility is also an invaluable asset to your business. When you’re able to adapt to the continuously changing market, your team can adjust more quickly than its competitors, giving you a competitive advantage in the long run.
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