Adaptability

Psychologist Steve Zaccaro has spent his career studying adaptability and has identified three types of flexibility great leaders (*ahem* changemakers!) possess. As we feel the fear of uncertainty creeping in, “Dispositional Flexibility,” will be a powerful tool for us. Put simply, Dispositional Flexibility is the ability to find optimism while grounded in reality. When faced with overwhelmingly scary and uncertain futures, two paths are most common: fear-based pessimism (“the world as we know it is over,”) or blind optimism (“pass the bud light bro, it’s St. Paddy’s Day, a little flu can’t stop us from partying!”).  

Applying dispositional flexibility allows us to survive amidst ambiguity; it allows us to honestly recognize that yes, this situation is truly scary, while simultaneously believing in a brighter tomorrow (which we can help create). It means taking necessary precautions, while remembering that there is still lots of good in the world and that (yesterday’s tip!), our actions are the antidote to despair. It’s looking for opportunities to help others instead of reasons to admit defeat. 

While we will all experience this crisis in different ways based on our identifies and situations, we can all nurture this changemaker trait. How might you practice dispositional flexibility? For those needing a boost of optimism, consider spending 5 minutes telling someone what you’re grateful for, or identifying potential positives which could come from the fear and pain (perhaps a renewed focus on what truly matters in your life). For those needing a dose of realism, read some first-hand accounts of COVID-19 (like those from Italy) to get a sense of the gravity of the situation. As you practice holding space for both optimism and realism, lean in to the ambiguity and picture yourself on a see-saw -- stand with one leg on each side of these emotions and try to find that magic balancing point of dispositional flexibility.