People with strong Adaptability talents are at their best when they are gracefully responding to the needs of those around them.

Adaptability®

A theme in the Relationship Building domain of CliftonStrengths

People exceptionally talented in the Adaptability theme prefer to go with the flow. They tend to be "now" people who take things as they come and discover the future one day at a time.

 

Full Theme Description

You live in the moment. You don't see the future as a fixed destination. Instead, you see it as a place that you create out of the choices that you make right now. And so you discover your future one choice at a time. This doesn't mean that you don't have plans. You probably do. But this theme of Adaptability does enable you to respond willingly to the demands of the moment even if they pull you away from your plans.

Unlike some, you don't resent sudden requests or unforeseen detours. You expect them. They are inevitable. Indeed, on some level you actually look forward to them. You are, at heart, a very flexible person who can stay productive when the demands of work are pulling you in many different directions at once.

 

This Theme’s Power and Edge

People with Adaptability talents can quickly change and respond to circumstances that would frighten or intimidate others. People with high Adaptability find ways to keep moving forward when the unexpected happens. Their natural ability to be in the moment can help others see the way forward.

 

How People with Strong Adaptability Talents Describe Themselves

  • "I am a here-and-now person."

  • "I need present pressures that demand an immediate response."

  • "I love spontaneity."

  • "I hate predictability."

  • "I bring a willingness to follow the lead of change."

 

Theme Contrast

Adaptability I like it when every day is different.
Discipline I like it when every day is the same.
Adaptability Responds to changes in an environment.
Arranger Initiates or manages changes in an environment.
 

Adaptability: Helps and Hinders

Helps

  • You respond well to competing priorities and immediate demands, which ensures that the information, solutions and work flow will be up-to-date and responsive to the environment.

  • You tend to handle the unexpected with poise and calm — not much rattles you. This makes you a go-to person in a crisis as others can feel and "borrow" your sense of calm.

  • You can adjust on-the-fly, change direction when it's called for and help others manage change.

  • Your total focus on whoever is with you in the moment makes others feel appreciated, valued and respected.

Hinders

  • Those who thrive on structure and stability may feel that they are on unsure footing when you change plans to suit the moment. Give them assurances, explain your position —- in short, tell them why.

  • If you are a manager or team leader, your team may feel like you have no direction and may be unsure of what you expect of them or, likewise, what they can expect from you. Set clear expectations — especially in the midst of change.

  • Because you live in the moment, you may miss deadlines or important performance milestones. Be sure to define timelines, project goals, etc., and enlist the help of a more structure-oriented partner to keep you on track.

  • Your natural instinct is that whatever or whoever is in front of you is your priority. Be sure to clarify job priorities with your supervisor or manager; when you have overall direction you are free to be more flexible in the moment.

 

If Adaptability is a Dominant Theme for You, Take Action to Maximise Your Potential

  • Use your reassuring demeanour to calm disgruntled friends, colleagues and customers.

  • Help colleagues find productive ways to manage stressful situations. You can encourage them to see how a different approach will benefit the group.

  • Find opportunities to respond to people and situations that need your attention. Your natural ability to change what you are doing can help you be an excellent problem-solver.

  • Fine-tune your responsiveness. For example, if your job demands unanticipated travel, learn how to pack and leave in 30 minutes. If stress at work is unpredictable, practice the first three moves you will always make when a hectic situation arises.

  • Support others in realising how many experiences they could miss if they don’t seize the moment now.

  • Avoid roles that demand structure and predictability. These roles will quickly frustrate you, make you feel inadequate and stifle your independence.

  • Look to others for help with planning. People who are strong in themes such as Focus, Strategic or Belief can help you shape your longer-term goals, leaving you to excel at dealing with the day-to-day variations.

 

Potential Blind Spots to Watch Out for

  • People with strong Adaptability talents may be so willing to live in the moment that they may constantly shift their priorities. They need to be aware that frequent changes can feel endless and often necessary to those who thrive on structure and stability.

  • They might have a tendency to miss deadlines or run late for appointments. They need to make sure they keep track of the most important due dates and meetings.

 

If Adaptability Is a Lesser Theme for You

If Adaptability is not a dominant theme for you, it doesn’t mean that you can’t or won’t be flexible or that you can’t handle change. It probably means you like to exert more control in your environment or are more comfortable with some sort of routine or structure.

  • You may experience frustration when circumstances change forcing you to abandon your plans. In these situations, you will want to regain control by pausing to reset priorities and making a new plan.

  • There are times when you or others need to sort through uncertainty or change. When this happens, find out what tasks, functions and activities are mandatory. Focus on the outcomes, not the steps. Find the best way to get there.

  • When you experience change, it might be important to reflect on the big picture. Understanding why things are happening might help you get back on track or establish new routines that work in the new or different situations.

 
 

Source: Gallup®

 
 

“The best thing about the future is that it comes only one day at a time.”

— Abraham Lincoln, 16th President of the United States