Why good leaders must be flexible and adaptable

Every good leader must be flexible and adaptable. Leaders who think they know everything better than anyone in their organization are likely to fail. The best leaders learn from others and adapt their plans to changing circumstances. They have the ability to pivot when necessary, but they also lead by sticking to core values. Here are three ways successful leaders succeed by being flexible and adaptable:

1. Overcoming challenges by learning: All teams encounter obstacles every time they set out to achieve a goal. Leaders must help their people and their organization succeed in overcoming these challenges. The best way for any leader to overcome challenges is to step back and see what works and what doesn’t. This is a skill called learning agility, and it’s a fundamental skill for all leaders, since they can’t be expected to know how to do everything. They must “learn to succeed” as a team. The best leaders institutionalize learning within their organization by training their team to regularly assess how they are doing, especially after a major event. By formally bringing his team together and discussing what’s working and what’s not, the leader can set the stage for adapting his approach and making improvements for future success. Large corporations like General Electric have done this by institutionalizing programs like GE “Training” workshops, and the US Army has done it with its “after action reviews.” Regardless of what it’s called, the discipline of institutionalized learning is key to leadership success, and successful leaders adapt what they’ve learned to make constant course corrections toward achieving their goals.
2. Using Appropriate Leadership Styles: Daniel Goleman, an expert in emotional intelligence and leadership, outlines six main styles of leadership. After extensive research, he concludes that there is no one best leadership style. Leaders must be flexible and adaptable by using a style that suits the situation and their organization. In some cases, a democratic style works best when time is not urgent and information can be shared; however, in other situations such as a crisis, a command style may be more appropriate for making decisions quickly and getting out of the danger zone. Thus, the best leaders will be flexible and move from one style to another as is most appropriate for their situation and their team.
3. Adapt plans to changing circumstances: Planning is an essential part of any successful team effort; however, no plan is perfect and the leader must be flexible in adapting the plan to changing circumstances. Nothing remains constant, and changes are faster and more frequent today than at almost any time in the past. The best leaders plan for the future and for contingencies; however, they also know that plans must be adapted when planning assumptions are no longer valid. Although plans may change, the leader will still try to operate in accordance with his core values. Therefore, they will make the appropriate adjustments and move forward without compromising their core beliefs and values.

These are just three ways that demonstrate why leaders need to be flexible and adaptable. Effective leaders are always in tune with their operating environment. This is sometimes known as situational awareness. They evaluate the information that is available to them and make adjustments in their approach, style, and plans to achieve success, but they remain true to their values. Although leaders must demonstrate perseverance to achieve their goals, they must also be flexible and adaptable in their approach to accomplish their mission. Knowing when to hold your ground and when to be flexible is the art of leadership.