"Spotting Adaptability in Others and Cultivating it in Yourself: A Guide to Navigating Change"

"Spotting Adaptability in Others and Cultivating it in Yourself: A Guide to Navigating Change"

In today's fast-paced and unpredictable world, adaptability has become an essential trait for success. Venture investor and writer Natalie Fratto emphasizes the importance of adaptability in her TED Talk, defining it as "how well a person reacts to the inevitability of change." Not only is it crucial to be able to identify adaptability in others to make informed hiring decisions, but it is also vital to cultivate this skill in ourselves to remain indispensable and employable.

According to Fratto, adaptability is not a fixed trait but rather something that can be measured, tested, and improved upon. She suggests using "what if" questions during interviews to gauge a candidate's adaptability. By observing how many scenarios they can come up with and the strength of their vision, you can gain insights into their ability to adapt to new circumstances.

Fratto also advises going beyond surface-level questions during interviews. Instead of asking numerous questions, she recommends asking fewer but more in-depth questions. For example, asking candidates to share a time when they were wrong can provide valuable insights into their willingness to change their minds and adapt. It is essential to focus on their personal perception of being wrong rather than relying on others' opinions.

Interestingly, Fratto highlights the importance of "unlearning" instead of solely focusing on learning. Unlearning involves adopting a new perspective or shifting to a different vantage point. Additionally, building upon existing knowledge and venturing into areas where one might not be an expert can showcase adaptability. By playing at the intersection of different fields, individuals can develop a new set of skills that serve as building blocks for adaptability.

Fratto encourages individuals to actively seek out opportunities for exploration. She believes that the path becomes more interesting when we wander and explore new territories. However, adaptability should be proactive rather than reactive. It requires conscious effort, exercise, and flexibility, just like a muscle. Fratto suggests three actionable strategies to boost adaptability:

1. Play at the intersections: Embrace the power of interdisciplinary thinking and explore the connections between different fields. By integrating knowledge and skills from various domains, you can develop a well-rounded adaptability.

2. Take a devil's advocate role: In the tech world, there is a popular saying, "I like leaders who have strong opinions, weakly held." By occasionally challenging the status quo and adopting a devil's advocate role, you can foster a mindset that is open to change and adaptable.

3. Maintain a failure resume: Keeping track of failures and setbacks can be an effective way to cultivate adaptability. Reflecting on past failures helps develop resilience and the ability to bounce back from adversity.

In Japanese corporate culture, there is a practice called "asarei" or morning meetings. These meetings, along with other seemingly trivial tasks like daily reports, are often seen as unnecessary by many employees. However, the underlying reason for these practices lies in the role of management in creating habits and constraints. When a business expands, it becomes challenging to manage all levels of employees, including those in the intermediate positions ("ume").

To ensure efficient coordination and communication, management resorts to methods like morning meetings and daily reports. These seemingly mundane practices help establish a system of conformity and monitoring, ensuring that everyone is on the same page. They provide a structure for individuals who may struggle with performing "common sense" tasks.

In conclusion, adaptability is a crucial skill in today's rapidly changing world. It is essential to be able to identify adaptability in others when making hiring decisions, as well as cultivate it in ourselves to remain relevant and employable. By asking probing questions during interviews, focusing on unlearning, exploring new territories, and embracing failure, we can enhance our adaptability and navigate change with confidence.