The workplace is evolving fast in many industries, but the key to staying ahead is to stay adaptable. Whether you’re starting a new job, learning a new professional skill, or facing unexpected challenges at work, adaptability helps you stay calm, think critically, and grow. Watch the video and read more below about how adaptability—a key durable skill—helps you handle change, tackle challenges, and stay ahead in a fast-changing world!

What is adaptability?

Adaptability is the ability to adjust to new situations quickly and handle change with a positive mindset. In a work context, employers look for adaptable people who can think quickly, stay calm under pressure, and find new paths when old ones get blocked. 

Why adaptability matters

While technically a durable professional skill, it’s important to note that adaptability is one of the most essential skills you can develop in life. Change will happen, regardless of your career—so the ability to embrace it while learning things along the way is valuable.

As technology and AI continue to change the workforce, adaptability will become even more important. Whether you use an AI-powered inventory system in your retail job or use AI to write emails in your marketing job, this type of technology is inevitable. It will continue to rise across jobs and careers. An adaptable person will take the initiative to learn these systems quickly or even help teammates with their learning. 

Employers value adaptable people because they’re reliable under pressure, open to learning, and able to take on different roles as needs shift. The more you prove yourself as an adaptable employee, the likelier you are to be trusted to take on new responsibilities and make bigger decisions down the road! 

Actionable ways to grow your adaptability skills

Here are a few specific ways you can strengthen your adaptability skills:

Embrace the unexpected 

In all areas of life, unexpected things happen. A good way to grow into adaptability is to practice staying calm and flexible when things change unexpectedly. For example, if your bus to school is late or your ride cancels at the last minute, try brainstorming solutions calmly before reacting. You could decide to wait for the next bus or call a friend or parent to give you a ride if they’re available. By quickly problem-solving these types of unexpected situations, you’ll build the confidence over time to handle bigger or more stressful situations in all areas of your life!

Try something new

The next time you’re working on a group project in school, try taking on a role you’ve never had before. For example, if you’re usually the notetaker, try offering to conduct research for the project instead. Trying new things teaches you how to adjust to different responsibilities and environments. It builds mental flexibility and makes you more comfortable navigating change as it comes up!

Build problem-solving habits

Let’s say you didn’t get the grade you were hoping for on an exam. While this can be disappointing and frustrating, take a moment to consider how you can learn from it. Maybe this means taking the time to prepare a bit more for the next exam, or even talking to your educator about where you went wrong and how to improve. Looking back on how you respond to change helps you recognize patterns and develop stronger problem-solving instincts. Over time, this can help you to adapt quickly and thoughtfully.

Why adaptability is a lifelong skill

Learning to adapt makes you more confident, resourceful, and ready for whatever the future holds. It helps you bounce back instead of break down! This skill will always be valuable in the workplace, because while AI may be able to sort data faster than you, it can never replace your human flexibility, empathy, and problem-solving! Keep challenging yourself to stay open, flexible, and curious. The more you stretch your adaptability muscles now, the stronger you’ll be in any situation life throws your way.

Want to learn more about durable skills? Dive into the essential and timeless skills that help young people thrive in work, school, and life to achieve long-term success!