Adaptability StrengthsFinder TL;DR

The adaptability StrengthsFinder talent means you can shape a possible but undetermined future because you don’t see it as fixed, and this doesn’t overwhelm you.

If you’re already familiar with StrengthsFinder, you can skip over the next section.

How do you lead well with adaptability in your StrengthsFinder top 5?

So you’ve taken the StrengthsFinder assessment, received your results and found adaptability in the list. Now you’re wondering how to grow or leverage this strength in your leadership. 

I know what it's like when the plan is suddenly no longer valid, and decisions must be made without complete info. Leading through some chaotic and uncertain times, I’ve seen leaders with high Adaptability rise to the challenge.

Where others proceed with caution, you proceed with curiosity.

Here are four strategies I’ve seen those with the adaptability talent use to navigate the unknown.

1. Be a calming presence for others.
2. Verbalize the just-in-time plan.
3. See a path through the whirlwind.
4. Invite others to seize the moment.

Be a calming presence for others.

Not everyone deals with change or the unexpected well. If fact, some struggle mightily with it. You can offer them a great gift in their moment of stress.

Your calming presence.

Most people with the strength of adaptability don’t get flustered by unexpected changes. And when your team encounters a sudden change, you can help steady those struggling by reminding them of other times the team navigated changes. 

It doesn’t have to be a crisis for your strength of adaptability to shine.

Others will read your non-verbals and mirror you. This calming allows people to self-regulate their emotions and re-engage in the rational part of their brain.

Verbalize the just-in-time plan.

When there is uncertainty, many people struggle to see a way forward. When you verbalize options and next steps, it simplifies the overwhelming chaos. 

You might not think to always do this because these steps seem intuitive to your adaptive mind. But when you name them, others can begin seeing with that same clarity that is your adaptability superpower. 

See a path through the whirlwind.

It doesn’t have to be a crisis for your strength of adaptability to shine. Everyday life and work have enough change and chaos that your team probably needs your help on any given Tuesday. 

You can ​​help others who feel overwhelmed navigate the chaos and complexity of our modern world.

Simple statements like, “given…(the observation you’re making), it seems like we could…(option you see a best) because it… (connection that seems obvious to you but may be invisible to others).

The key is presenting these possibilities to the team with an open hand because they may not choose to go that route or struggle to see the connection until much later.

Invite others to seize the moment.

Sometimes the team just needs an invitation. They hear what you’re saying, and they’re beginning to see the path forward, but they’re hesitant to step out. 

They need a nudge. 

I often like to invite by saying something like, “This is a good option for us at this moment, if it doesn’t work then we’ll evaluate and pivot. It will be all right.”

I’m affirming that the next step is a good one and that there is some risk, but the worst-case scenario isn’t likely because we’ll keep adjusting. 

Next steps for StrengthsFinder adaptability.

As you learn to lead using your top adaptability strength, you can shape a possible but undermined future. 

You don’t have to be hindered by plans seemingly written in stone; instead, you can ​​help others who feel overwhelmed navigate the chaos and complexity of our modern world.

Adaptable leaders can struggle with an antipattern of second guessing. Learning the strengths antipatterns will allow you to continue growing as a healthy, intentional leader. 

You are on a remarkable journey to living and leading from your strengths. You can explore the list below to learn about the rest of your top 5 strengths.