Many people use the terms adaptable and resilience interchangeably. However, they mean different things and we live and use them differently. When we are adaptable, we see that reality has changed. We don’t deny that reality. Because we admit that we have a new reality, we can find new approaches to manage our responses to
What’s the Difference Between Resilience and Adaptability? Read More »
I had lunch with a colleague today. We spoke about his freshman-in-high-school age (14?) child who was studying Computer Science. The student is actually solving problems with code (Python) and showing his work to others. I didn’t ask if he was working in a team, but he probably is. I didn’t take my first Computer
Which Number Career Are You On? Read More »
One part of adaptability is discovering ways we can work together. For me, that’s about discovering and using the places where we agree. In the US right now, we have a divisive political climate. I suspect that many of us agree on the principles even as we disagree on the specifics. For example, we might agree
Where Do We Agree? Read More »
A few weeks ago, I was at the Agile 2018 conference. The conference has changed from its beginnings. It’s now full of certifications and big consulting organizations that will sell you “the One Right agile framework,” regardless of your context (my caps). My experience is that if you want any kind of change—personal or professional—your
How Can You Understand Someone’s Context? Read More »
If you’re like me, things don’t always proceed as I planned. Sometimes, my plans turn out better. Sometimes, worse. If I want to make them better in the moment, I need to be more adaptable. That means I need to practice my adaptability. Here’s an example. I have many immutable truths in my life. (You
How Do You Build Your Adaptability? Read More »
I’m staying at a lovely hotel this week, speaking at a conference. For me, the bed is comfortable except for the pillows. The feather pillows scrunch down where my head is and raise up around my ears. I don’t feel the benefit of a raised head. I asked for foam pillows. The lovely housekeeping person brought
What New Information Surprised You? Read More »
I recently met a digital nomad. She literally travels the world, writing in various places. She has many chances to experience various cultures. She is open to many possibilities. I said to her, “I can’t do that.” She asked, “Why not?” She’s not the only person who’s challenged my thinking around possibilities or choices. The reality
How Can You Change ‘I Can’t’ to Why Not? Read More »
Back in the comments for What’s the Difference Between Problem Whining and Problem Solving?, I mentioned we sometimes feel as if we have no choices, no good options. We need to release our preferred option from consideration—at least for now, but probably forever. I find that releasing an option quite difficult, especially if I’m attached
How Can You Generate Options When You Feel Stuck? Read More »
In the comments for What’s the Difference Between Problem Whining and Problem Solving?, I spoke about a couple of different things: Being attached to the process or being attached to the outcome/result Perceived or real lack of choices with respect to the outcome In this post, I’ll address what we might attach to: the process or
Are You Attached to the Process or the Outcome? Read More »
How do you feel about change: do you like what’s new or what works? Sometimes I like new things. I love to try new recipes—often with company! I’ll try new software without a second thought. I’ll try various processes for my own work, especially if I think I’ll get a throughput bump. I especially like
Do You Want What’s New or What Works? Read More »