Four Pathways To Adaptability With Rob Hosking

Adaptability is a skill we develop over time, often shaped by experiences that push us beyond our comfort zones. My journey with adaptability began when I joined the police at 22. If I’m honest, the word didn’t exist in my vocabulary back then. But life has a way of teaching you lessons, whether you’re ready for them or not.

What Is Adaptability?

Adaptability is a universal experience. It isn’t something reserved for a select few. Every one of us has adapted at some point in our lives. Whether it’s adjusting to a new job, moving to a different country, starting a family, or navigating the unpredictability of adulthood, we’ve all been there.

But here’s the truth: adaptability isn’t always done well. It’s not automatic, and it’s not always easy. There are four distinct ways we adapt, and only one of them truly helps us thrive.

1. Not Adapting at All

The first way people respond to change is by resisting it entirely. It’s the path of least effort and usually comes with the highest cost. But the thing is, adaptability requires effort. It’s about staying prepared and always being a student, constantly learning and growing. The minute we stop trying to improve, we lose the ability to adapt effectively.

2. Adapting Poorly

The second type of adaptation is adapting poorly. On the surface, it might look like someone has adjusted, but closer inspection reveals cracks.

Take the famous Stanford Prison Experiment. It was a study on human behaviour in which participants quickly adapted to their assigned roles as guards and prisoners. The guards became authoritarian and abusive, while the prisoners became passive and distressed. What this shows us is that mindless adaptation, just going along with the environment, can be dangerous.

Adaptability isn’t about fitting in at all costs. It’s about navigating change thoughtfully while staying true to who you are and what matters most.

3. Adapting Because You Have No Choice

The third type of adaptation happens when you’re forced to adapt because circumstances demand it. You don’t think about it, you just do it. This is probably the one most of us do in our work lives. It’s when we live by the change but aren’t mindfully doing it. This kind of adaptation is survival, not growth. It’s the bare minimum we do to get by. While it’s necessary at times, we shouldn’t settle for it.

4. Adapting Well

The final and most effective way to adapt is to do it well, to embrace change, learn from it, and grow stronger because of it. This isn’t about avoiding change or simply accepting it, it’s about running towards it, even when it scares you. You see, true adaptability comes from facing your fears head-on. It’s about going out of our comfort zones. Each time we step into discomfort, we grow. We build confidence, resourcefulness, and the ability to handle future challenges which in turn increases our adaptability.

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Key Lessons on Adaptability

Adaptability isn’t just about reacting to change when change happens, it’s about managing a situation so you are ready for change and the unexpected. Here are some principles that can help:

• Block Out the Noise: Focus on what matters most. Too much noise, whether external distractions or your own doubts, can cloud your judgement. Seek clarity and don’t multitask. Multitasking will only take your attention away from the thing you are focusing on which then takes away your ability to adapt quicker and efficiently.
• Don’t Overanalyse: High-pressure situations demand simplicity and clarity. Overthinking can lead to paralysis, so focus on what’s in front of you. Yes, we risk assess but when we create too many ‘what ifs’ we then struggle to understand our gut instinct.
• Trust Your Team: You can’t do it all. Trusting others builds resilience and empowers them to step up, creating a more adaptable team while helping you focus on what matters.
• Re-Evaluate Constantly: Change is rarely static. Be willing to reassess and adjust your approach as new information comes to light. This means that you must be willing to be wrong at times. Put the ego to one side and pivot when needed.

Adaptability is a skill, and like any skill, it takes practice. It’s not about being fearless or always knowing what to do. It’s about stepping into the unknown, learning from every experience, and trusting that you’re capable of more than you think.

So, what change are you going to embrace next? What fear are you going to run towards? The more you do, the more adaptable you’ll become.  It’s a skill worth mastering.

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