By Christine Pienaar One thing for certain is the inevitability of change. Flexibility, Problem Solving and Optimism are three EQ competencies that help unlock the ability for your team to adapt to, and embrace, change in the face of new and challenging circumstances.
Flexibility
Involves “changing behaviour when change is needed and persisting when persistence is needed, to accomplish desired ends.” (Hayes & Strosahl, 2004). A company that values adaptability needs individuals who can engage effectively with a variety of characters and team members – and the complex set of differing opinions and perspectives this entails. Flexibility isn’t just about deferring and changing. Working together effectively means knowing when to stand your ground for a team decision or action for which you are advocating, or when to be persuaded by another perspective. Being strong in adaptability doesn’t mean you always adapt. It means you know when to adapt and when to stay the course. Psychological flexibility is the skill that makes that possible.
Problem Solving
Is the “ability to find solutions to problems in situations where emotions are involved, and to understand how emotions impact on decision making.” (MHS, 2011). Rather than focussing on mathematical or scientific problems, it’s about solving real-world problems – the ones we face in our daily social environments (Nezu et al., 2013). So, when it comes to EQ, problem solving is not necessarily about solving puzzles correctly, rather it’s about solving the problems of life and work wisely. There’s a big difference.
Optimism
Is an “indicator of one’s positive attitude and outlook on life. It involves remaining hopeful and resilient despite occasional setbacks” (MHS, 2011). Adaptability is all about how you respond to unexpected changes or challenges, and so optimism is crucial in believing that change is possible and solutions can be found. In a constantly shifting and fluctuating environment, remaining optimistic is often a challenge. The good news is that it is a skill that can be developed, and through the positive rewiring of the brain, can become an automatic response to change. Resulting in optimally performing teams, despite changing circumstances.
The combination of learning to respond to life’s problems both flexibly and positively is a sure way to achieve the outcomes you desire from your chosen value of adaptability.
