One of the keys To Success is the ability to be adaptive and flexible. This is a key factor in being able to keep your cool when things unexpectedly go wrong. But what exactly are adaptability and flexibility at work?

Adaptability refers to how well we are able to adjust ourselves to the demands of a situation. So if our work takes us to Asia for a month, we should be able to quickly adapt and fit in within this new environment without any major problems.

Flexibility is how well we are able to change or expand our thoughts and concepts regarding work or other situations. For example, when you were younger you may have been able to work for 8 hours a day, whereas now you may have to cut back your hours due to family commitments. This is an example of having increased flexibility.

Learning Objectives:

- Discuss the importance of flexibility and adaptability in the workplace.
- Define the concept of process behavior charts and discuss their use in measuring adaptability.
- Identify key steps for improving adaptability.
- Identify the three phases of flexibility in work design
- Explain what is meant by perceptual flexibility and how it relates to other forms of flexibility
- Understand how companies can create a more flexible workplace