"Win at Work"

Weekly Newsletter by Yasar Ahmad

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New boss, reorganized team, updated software, shifting market... Change is constant in any career. The truth is, adaptability, the ability to adjust quickly and positively is one of the most valuable traits you can have. When curveballs come, adaptable people don’t flinch; they figure out how to hit them. That’s a competitive edge.

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Week 25 - A Lesson in Creative Problem-Solving

The problem: Many folks resist change. It’s human nature to prefer the comfort of routine and the known. But in the workplace, clinging to “the way it was” can leave you behind. Think of companies that failed to adapt to new technology (like those that stuck to physical retail and got overtaken by e-commerce). The same applies to individuals. If you’re slow to embrace a new process, complain about every policy update, or panic when your role evolves, you’ll struggle.

Solution: Cultivating adaptability is both mindset and action:

Reframe change as opportunity: Instead of immediately seeing change as a threat, ask “Where’s the opportunity here for me or the team?” A new project or system is a chance to learn new skills. A team shuffle is a chance to build new relationships. Train yourself to default to curiosity over fear. This positive outlook makes you more resilient and proactive.
Stay flexible and open-minded: When a change is announced, give it a fair chance. Listen to the reasoning, ask questions to understand, and avoid knee-jerk negativity. Be willing to try different approaches. Rigidity is the enemy of adaptability. For example, if management implements a new software, dive in and play around with it rather than clinging to the old one. You might discover it has benefits once you get past the learning curve.
Focus on what you can control: During big changes (reorgs, strategy shifts), uncertainty can skyrocket. Adaptable people zero in on their sphere of influence the actions and attitudes they can control and let go of the rest. You can’t stop a reorganization, but you can control how you react and help make the transition smoother. By being solution-oriented (e.g., “How do we make this work?” rather than “This will never work”), you position yourself as a stabilizing force amid chaos.
Keep learning and stay prepared: Often, fear of change comes from feeling unprepared. If you’re always updating your skills and knowledge, you’ll feel more confident tackling something new. Also, have a Plan B mindset – think about alternate paths or backup plans for projects. That way, if Plan A blows up, you’re already thinking of the next step. It’s not about pessimism; it’s about readiness.

Adaptability also means managing your emotions through change. It’s normal to feel uneasy – acknowledge it, but then focus on solutions. Lean on your support network (colleagues, mentors) to brainstorm and adapt together. Remember times you’ve successfully navigated change in the past; use that as evidence that “I handled it before, I can handle it now.”

“It is not the strongest or the most intelligent who will survive, but those who can best manage change.”

Change at work is inevitable, but it doesn’t have to be painful. By staying adaptable, you turn upheavals into opportunities. You become the person who stays cool and productive when others are paralyzed. In the long run, that makes you incredibly valuable. Be the adaptable professional who bends without breaking – you’ll not only survive change, but thrive because of it.

Thanks

Yasar