What Agile Behavior Looks Like

“The secret of change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new.” –Dan Millman, Way of the Peaceful Warrior

In the previous lesson, you began experimenting with adaptability by setting an intention and going for a mindful walk. In this lesson, you’ll learn more about what it means to be adaptable and you’ll reflect on current changes in your life.

Watch Daniel Goleman and Richard Boyatzis explain the hallmarks of agility. This video touches on questions that can help you determine your level of adaptability:

• Can you handle multiple competing demands?
• Can you deal with the reality that some ideas and methods may not work?
• Can you alter your approach to become more innovative?

Adaptability can be a major differentiator of successful leaders in highly tumultuous industries. Rigidity—the opposite of adaptability—feeds conflicts and losses in the workplace and in the world at large. The ability to identify when you’re being rigid, at work as well as in your personal life, and self-correct it, can transform your leadership abilities for the better.

What Changes?

What is a change you have either recently experienced, are currently experiencing, or anticipate in the near future?

This change can be from your personal or professional life.

• How do you feel about the change?
• What actions are you taking in response to the change?
• What are the mental stories you have about the change?

Leave a short response summarizing the change and your experience of it. It should be simple and direct.

For example:

“We are launching a new service line. I’m excited about the possibilities it creates, but a little nervous about whether we’ve thought of everything. I’m doing significant research to position myself as an expert.”

“My daughter just turned 12 and is suddenly becoming moody and withdrawn, spending lots of time in her room and not talking to me or my spouse. I’m scared something might be going on that she’s not telling us. I’m ignoring it and hoping it goes away.”

Taking time to notice the changing circumstances of our lives can be a powerful reminder of just how fluid everything is, including our emotions, workplace hassles, and even our own aging bodies.

What are you discovering while thinking about the changes happening in your life?

What is it like to imagine stepping out of your comfort zone to become more agile?

What might be the cost of resisting change?

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