Flexibility In Business
vs. resistance
Adjusting to change with a good attitude
To practice Flexibility, I will: 
- be helpful when plans change
- accept the things I cannot change
- be open to new and different experiences
- learn from my mistakes
- anticipate and prepare for change
Key Attributes of a Flexible Leader
by Jill Tomey
Sheldon Kawarsky, PhD, in his article on Cognitive Flexibility, states, “Cognitive flexibility is not a passive trait but an active practice…It is a fundamental skill for modern leaders, enabling them to lead with wisdom, creativity, and resilience. The first step is to recognize it as a muscle that you can intentionally train.”
He identifies 3 Key attributes of a Flexible Leader:
Shifting: The ability to fluidly move between different tasks, mental sets, or perspectives without losing focus.
Inhibiting: The skill of suppressing dominant, automatic, or irrelevant responses to make room for more thoughtful, adaptive ones.
Updating: The capacity to monitor new information as it comes in and revise your working knowledge accordingly.
Which attribute is the most difficult for you?
Which attribute do others notice?
Which attribute will you intentionally train first?
Cognitive Flexibility: The Secret Skill Behind Exceptional Leadership by Sheldon Kawarsky, PhD
Interview for Flexibility with this question:
If you were assigned additional tasks outside your job description, what would you do?
Download The Ultimate Guide to Hiring for Character with questions for all 36 qualities.
Featured Book on Flexibility
Flux: SuperPowers for Thriving in Constant Change
by April Rinne
Our other Pillars have resources that can be used in a workplace setting.
Visit Flexibility in School:
Activities
No Matter How You Say It
Curriculum Connections
Croskey’s Corner
Visit Flexibility in the Community:
Quotes
Character All Month Calendar
Related Qualities
Character Holiday Activities
Family Activity (with a printable for sending home to parents)
Visit Flexibility in Faith:
Christian Family Activity
Bible Verses
Christian Poster
Prayer and Reflections
Archived Resources