Focus on Clarity, Collaboration, and Capability

There are three factors that contribute the most to instilling skilled flexibility – create Clarity, practice Collaboration, and enhance Capability. 

Clarity is arrived at when organizational leaders have a shared understanding of the vision, mission, and values of the organization and take time to communicate them often. Clarity of direction helps employees see how the work they do contributes to the bigger picture and provides them with meaning and fulfillment in their work, which in turn enhances commitment.

Collaboration is experienced most when executives are active role models of collaborative behaviors, e.g., reaching out to employees, engaging in brief conversations, asking questions, listening, responding, affirming, etc., on an ongoing basis. Periodic town hall meetings and large and small group sessions to share information and sense feedback also nurture collaboration. When employees witness executives as active role models bringing collaborative values to life, their sense of belonging in the organization is enhanced and they feel connected with their managers and leaders, which further contributes to improving commitment.

Capability entails developing the skills and abilities for solving complex challenges that arise in the face of uncertainty and change. When members are able to apply skills to overcome the emerging challenges, their confidence levels are greatly enhanced and they are better prepared to tackle the unexpected as they arise.