Alexandra Levits Water Cooler Wisdom In Todays Business World, Its Adapt or Die

Alexandra Levit's Water Cooler Wisdom In Today's Business World, It's Adapt or Die Just how important is adaptability to business or career success? According to a2013 studyby DeVry University’s Career Advisory Board, 93 percent of hiring managers saythat senior-level job seekers need to demonstrate the ability to adapt in order to cope with the ever-changing workplace. This type of senior leaderâ€"one who has learned how to roll with the punchesâ€"is essential to guiding 21stcentury businesses. Gallup’s famousStrengthsFinder talent assessment tool, which includes adaptability as a key dimension, defines the trait as the ability to live in the present, freely and willingly able to respond to the demands and changes of the moment. Adaptable people are flexible and don’t view the future as a set plan or a fixed destination. But most company cultures today, even small-business ones, arent as adaptable as they need to beâ€"theyre often ruled by the status quo and “standard operating procedure.” If you run your business with that mentality, you may find yourself encountering more problems than necessary and having a difficult time adapting to market changes. Rapid technological advances have also increased the speed with which you must make key decisions, and relevant changes must be integrated into your business culture if you want to survive. Take3D printing, for instance. Once 3D printing becomes part of the mainstream, manufacturers and their complex networks of suppliers and distributors must start thinking of their work differently if theyre to succeed. Unfortunately, disruptive technologies like 3D printing are derailing more businesses instead of positively transforming them. Without enough adaptable leaders, businesses are falling behind. For the rest of the piece, have a look at the full post at the AMEX OpenForum.