Mastering the Leadership Skill of being Consistently Adaptable

I was running a workshop recently (common).  

And I stopped a conversation prematurely with one of the team, without challenging their left field comments (uncommon).  

Then I got pulled up by another of the team, who told me I was wrong (uncommon) not to challenge that thinking earlier (thanks for the gift of feedback ????).  

I was thinking fast and talking slow (common). 

And I think we resolved the point of contention (phew). 

The topic of conversation was around ‘should leaders be consistent in their communication, and not adapt to different communication styles’? In other words, is a one size fits all the right approach? I agreed that it was, for the sake of the discussion, which was the wrong thing to do, and I am glad I got challenged, as the facilitator. Because it gave me the chance to lean into the leadership skill of adaptability. Consistently. 

Leaders should be consistently adapting. 

Here’s how to do that: 

1. Flex Your Communication Style and your Strategy 

Effective communication is at the heart of adaptive leadership. Recognise that not everyone responds the same way to communication. Some team members may thrive on clear, concise instructions, while others may appreciate more detailed explanations. If you need to know what each person’s style is, do their DISC profile – that’ll tell you! 

Also, some may prefer face-to-face conversations, while others prefer written communication. The key is to be flexible in your communication style and adapt it to suit the preferences of your team members. Additionally, pay attention to non-verbal cues, such as body language and tone of voice, as they can provide valuable insights into how your message is being received. That is called micro-communication. 

2. Build a Diverse and Inclusive Environment  

Creating a workplace that values diversity and inclusion is not only the right thing to do but also a strategic advantage for leaders. A diverse team brings a wide range of perspectives and strengths, but it also comes with a variety of personality styles.  

To lead such a team effectively, leaders must foster an inclusive environment where all team members feel heard and valued. And supported. Encourage open dialogue, provide opportunities for everyone to contribute, and ensure that diverse voices are represented in decision-making processes. When team members feel comfortable being themselves (and you are comfortable with that), they are more likely to excel and collaborate effectively. 

3. Embrace the Power of Empathy 

Empathy is a cornerstone of effective leadership (I have written about it one or a hundred times). To adapt to different personality styles, leaders must put themselves in others’ shoes. This involves active listening, asking questions, and genuinely trying to understand the perspectives and emotions of team members. When you make an effort to connect with your team on a personal level, you can tailor your leadership approach to their unique needs. That is a big deal! 

Remember, empathy isn’t just about understanding; it’s about showing that you care. It fosters trust and builds stronger relationships, making it easier to lead diverse personalities effectively. 

In conclusion, adaptability in leadership is a dynamic skill that requires continuous development. By embracing empathy, flexing your communication style, and fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, you can become a leader who consistently adapts to different personality styles. Remember, the most successful leaders are those who can bring out the best in each team member, regardless of their personality traits. 

It is all about being consistently adaptive! 

And please click the image below if you’d like to chat about what leadership means to you.

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About Anton

Anton has dedicated his working life to helping leaders to upgrade their mindset, upskill their leadership, and uplift their teams! With a focus on helps leaders to better lead under pressure. Anton is an entrepreneur, speaker, consultant, bestselling author and founder of The Guinea Group. Over the past 19 years, Anton has worked with over 175+ global organisations, he has inspired workplace leadership, safety, and cultural change. He’s achieved this by combining his corporate expertise, education (Bachelor of HR and Psychology), and infectious energy levels.

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