What do you do if your adaptability skills as a program manager need improvement?

1 Assess your current level of adaptability

The first step to improve your adaptability skills is to understand your current level of adaptability and identify your strengths and weaknesses. You can do this by taking a self-assessment test, such as the Adaptability Quotient (AQ) test, which measures your ability to respond to change, learn new skills, and overcome challenges. You can also ask for feedback from your peers, managers, and stakeholders, who can provide you with valuable insights into how you handle different situations and how you can improve. By assessing your current level of adaptability, you can set realistic goals and prioritize the areas that need more attention.

2 Learn from others who are adaptable

Another way to improve your adaptability skills is to learn from others who are adaptable and successful in program management. You can do this by observing how they deal with change, uncertainty, and complexity, and how they communicate, collaborate, and problem-solve. You can also ask them questions, seek their advice, and request their mentorship. By learning from others who are adaptable, you can gain new perspectives, strategies, and best practices that you can apply to your own program management.

3 Embrace change and uncertainty

One of the most important aspects of improving your adaptability skills is to embrace change and uncertainty, rather than resist or avoid them. Change and uncertainty are inevitable in program management, and they can offer you opportunities to grow, innovate, and create value. Instead of fearing change and uncertainty, you should welcome them as challenges that can test your skills, stretch your limits, and enhance your learning. You should also be proactive in anticipating and preparing for change and uncertainty, by scanning the environment, identifying risks and opportunities, and creating contingency plans.

4 Experiment and learn from failures

Another key aspect of improving your adaptability skills is to experiment and learn from failures, rather than stick to the status quo or fear mistakes. Experimenting and failing are essential for program management, as they allow you to test new ideas, explore new possibilities, and discover new solutions. Instead of being afraid of experimenting and failing, you should view them as learning opportunities that can help you improve your program outcomes, performance, and skills. You should also be open to feedback, reflection, and improvement, by seeking input from others, analyzing your results, and applying your learnings.

5 Be flexible and collaborative

The final tip to improve your adaptability skills is to be flexible and collaborative, rather than rigid and isolated. Flexibility and collaboration are crucial for program management, as they enable you to adjust your plans, methods, and goals according to the changing needs and expectations of your stakeholders, team, and program. Instead of being fixed and isolated, you should be flexible and collaborative, by listening to others, respecting different opinions, and compromising when needed. You should also be willing to delegate, share, and support, by empowering others, leveraging their strengths, and providing them with guidance and feedback.