Reply to Layla’s response to competencies at work
“Those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything”- George Bernard Shaw
I second Layla’s statement that adaptation is the most important competency. However, just being able to adapt to the rapid or continuously changing environment is not enough, a person should be ready to face disruptive changes as well which requires both linear and non-linear thinking (Hughes, Beatty and Dinwoodie, 2014). It is easy yet important to be able to add one and one which is essentially finding a logical solution to the situation of change based on previous knowledge or experience. But it is also crucial to sometimes think out of the box, remain open to all the possibilities and find an appropriate solution with innovation. A balance between the conventional linear thinking and nonlinear thinking leads to optimal decision making and better adaptation to the change (Groves, K., Vance, C., & Paik, Y., 2007). I agree with Layla, critical thinking does help to adapt to new conditions, but I would like to take it one step back and begin with self-awareness. A strong sense of core and vision for future helps to develop plans to bridge that gap whenever opportunities arise. It helps to make conscious choices about the actions required to adapt to the change.
References
Groves, K., Vance, C., & Paik, Y., (2007) Linking linear/nonlinear thinking style balance and managerial ethical decision making. Retrieved from:
Click to access 00b7d53642e6f59de2000000.pdf
Hughes R., Colarelli-Beatty K. & Dinwoodie D. (2014) Becoming a strategic leader. (2nd ed.) San Francisco: Jossey-Bass