A guide to understanding the Adaptability talent theme
This week, we’re deep diving into helping you to understand your CliftonStrengths (StrengthsFinder) Talent Themes, in particular the Adaptability Talent Theme.
We are going to deconstruct each talent theme and give you insights into what each of these talent themes is about.
This week, we will be looking at the talent theme of Adaptability.
You may either have the Adaptability talent theme or you know someone with the talent theme of Adaptability.
The Gallup Organization defines the people with the Adaptability talent themes as people exceptionally talented in the Adaptability theme prefer to go with the flow. They tend to be “Now” people who take things as they come and discover the future one day at a time.
The Power of the Adaptability Talent Theme
For people with the talent theme of Adaptability, the way they think, feel and behave is all about living in the moment and being present in whatever situation or place they are in. People with the adaptability talent theme are present-focused. When things don’t go according to plan, they are very likely able to respond to the change and react fairly quickly.
People with the Adaptability talent theme are comfortable in changing situations. They have this innate ability in them find a way to push and move forward when the unexpected happens.
Perhaps this is one of the reason why most of them are especially good in building relationships and working with people. Many see them as easy-going and calm especially in the midst of change and chaos.
Adaptability Talent Theme Loves…
Adaptability loves change. As mentioned above, they are responsive to change which is why they are not afraid when change happens. They are very likely able to embrace change more than anyone else in the team.
People might also see them as early adopters because of their flexibility and openness to change. They also love variety and variants. Doing different things motivates the talent because of their flexibility allows them to handle many different things at once.
Change and variety makes people with the adaptability talent theme productive.
Adaptability Talent Theme Hates…
Adaptability Talent Theme-rs, on the other hand, hates routine and predictability.
They have a constant need for change and variety. They will get bored when they are expected to do the same thing over and over again.
Adaptability also hates strict process and rules. When they are being restricted to follow certain set of procedures to get it done without any flexibility, they will feel frustrated and completely drained.
If you are the boss of someone with the adaptability talent theme, set the goal for them to achieve but give them the permission to craft their own way of achieving those goals. They thrive best when given the authority and freedom to set their own flow.
Adaptability Talent Theme’s Basement Behaviours
When Adaptability push their talent too hard, the experience for others can be severe and worrying.
Here are 3 negative behaviours of the Adaptability talent theme: –
- They don’t plan – As people with the adaptability talent theme enjoy being spontaneous, they might not necessarily plan things ahead; they can just go with the flow and react and respond according to the situation.
Having the talent theme of adaptability does not mean not planning, it means planning ahead but it is to adapt, respond and change accordingly when things does not go according to plan.
- They leave things to the last minute – Their ability to react in the moment might be the motivation for them to complete certain tasks. Many people with the talent theme might feel that they need that time or deadline pressure to complete a certain task at their very best.
While this might be useful for them, it might be not so useful to others; especially when working in groups.
- They might be too flexible – People with the adaptability talent theme can be seen as not having guidelines or not following the rules. They can be seen as being all of the place because they are constantly changing and adapting.
This is because it is easy for them to change their decisions according to what they see fit. Others might see them as being too flexible when making changes.
Adaptability Talent Theme’s Best Contributions
People with the talent theme of adaptability are first-responders. This is a key asset to the team because people rely on them in unexpected situations or situation of chaos. They are situationally aware of everything that is going on around them. They have instantaneously know how to follow the situation and go along with the environment.
The talent theme of Adaptability is present focused that they can identify what is important in that moment and focus on that. Their intense real time awareness help them respond with immediacy.
What many people might not know about the talent theme of adaptability is that they can be great relationship builder. Their innate ability to respond and react is often regarded as helpful to people. During changing environments, their ability to adapt gives others a sense of calmness.
The power of adaptability truly comes in their ability to be responsive and reactive. People with the Adaptability talent theme need to give themselves full permission to purposefully wander about and seek opportunities to respond to people and situation that needs attention.
With their innate ability to shift gears, they can be excellent problem solvers.
StrengthsAsia has helped many individual and corporate clients all throughout the region in identifying and maximizing their talents, in driving engagement and increasing motivation in their work and life.
If you want to learn more about the 34 talent themes or discover how you can apply your talent themes in the areas of your work and your life, you can contact us here.
Dina is a Gallup Certified Strengths Coach at StrengthsAsia. She is one of the principal architect and designer of StrengthsAsia’s wildly successful Strengths Engagement Programs. She is passionate about bringing strengths to the education sector, in helping educators and student leaders discover their natural talents, passions, interests, and building ‘strong’ foundations to do what they do best every day.