Leadership is a tricky role. No two days are the same, so you’re always adapting to new people and situations. That’s what makes leadership challenging, but also rewarding. It tests your abilities as a person and a leader, forcing you to find solutions for various problems and challenges. You won’t always be perfect, but with dedication and practice, you can become an even better leader. If you want to grow as a leader, you need to remain responsive and adaptive in different situations. These attributes are crucial if you want to be successful in your career.
What does ‘responsive’ mean?
Your clients and customers have limited time in a day. Everyone wishes for attentiveness and for their requests and queries to be responded to as soon as possible. Thanks to technology, the expectations for responsiveness rates are extremely high. Responsiveness is a must-have in your organisation’s communication culture. Momentum (2021) states that responsiveness refers to making timely decisions that result in timely actions which propel the business forward. The faster the response time, the faster progress can take place. Responsiveness is a beneficial soft skill to possess. Responsiveness involves how quickly, appropriately, and effectively a team follows up with those that require help or input. Responsiveness is shown through prompt attentiveness when something is asked for.
How can you be more responsive?
Be accountable – Responsiveness is accountability. Speak up as quickly as possible and let your team know if something isn’t going according to plan. Do not overcommit or agree to deadlines that you cannot reach. Once a timeline and deadline have been agreed upon, meet those expectations. If there are obstacles encountered, ask for assistance. You are responsible for your own actions.
Over-communicate rather than under-communicate – It is okay to seek guidance and clarification on a topic for a second or even a third time. Keeping everyone on the same page and making progress is the main concern of the team. Ask your questions and keep everyone informed on your progress.
Set reminders – With seemingly endless commitments and priorities you are responsible for, it is easy to forget. Setting a calendar or even written reminders can prevent you from losing time and assist you to stay on top of your work.
What does ‘adaptable’ mean?
Are you flexible and willing to learn? To be adaptable means to be flexible and able to adjust to factors, conditions, or environments that may change. Being adaptable at work involves responding quickly to changing ideas, expectations, trends, responsibilities, approaches, and so forth. Adaptability includes soft skills such as interpersonal skills, communication skills, and creative thinking. It is crucial to be adaptable in today’s world, with technology evolving constantly and introducing new ways to do things. Employees are often faced with unusual circumstances where there is no guidebook or specified approach. It is important to trust your own judgement and be confident in your decisions.
How are responsiveness and adaptability intertwined?
Responsiveness and adaptability go hand in hand. Both involve soft skills that improve overall success at work. In order to be adaptable, you need to be responsive. To be responsive, you need to be adaptable. Adaptability can be learned and can almost become automatic, but responsiveness is developed as situations arise. If you want to be a great leader, you need to remain responsive and flexible in your response to changing environments and situations. You also need to remain optimistic and be a guiding light for your team members.
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