I think one word that definitely characterizes our current economic environment is flexibility. As circumstances change, we are forced to expand, reevaluate and reinvent our lives and our work. To be flexible is to be nimble and open, and those qualities play a big part in learning how to navigate the current business environment. So how flexible are you and your organization? What do you incorporate into your work schedule and your personal life that helps you stretch yourself?
These are good questions to ask ourselves and our colleagues. As the traditional business landscape continues to become more collaborative, it makes sense to assess our openness to change. How do we allow our work environment to be in flux and embrace the changes as a sign of the new vs. the negative? Think about yourself: are you someone who does the same thing day in and day out? Even if you’re not, there are probably still plenty of opportunities to practice being more flexible. It could be as simple as trying a different coffee shop or having lunch with someone different in your office. Maybe it means speaking up at a meeting when you normally would not, or going to a new networking event you have never been to before. Or perhaps you could take the initiative to work on a new project that you would normally let pass you by. Sometimes stretching yourself is as simple as starting a conversation with someone new or changing one of your old habits.
The practice of flexibility is a practice of allowing ourselves to embrace fear of the unknown. It keeps us young and fresh, stimulates the brain and makes us a conduit for new ideas. All of these qualities are a key to working and living well.
So what will you do this week to practice flexibility?
Work Well,
Katie
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