The ability to adapt in our business can best be explained by understanding the law of requisite variety. The textbook definition of this principle is that in any “closed-loop system” – electronics or human communications – the element with the most variables always controls the outcome. What this means in layman’s terms is that you need to be “noted for your flexibility.”
When obstacles are thrown in your way, you need to evaluate the new situation and change your behavior accordingly.
Unfortunately, it is a fact of life that when a human being learns a task, but new circumstances arise requiring alternative measures, humans will try to respond with what they know, even if it doesn’t work, as opposed to learning a new task to handle the new situation. The superstars, however, have learned to adapt; have learned to be flexible and change with the new circumstances.
Three thousand years ago, the Chinese general and philosopher Sun Tzu put it this way:
“Those who are victorious plan effectively, and change decisively. They are like a great river that maintains its course but adjusts its flow. They have form but are formless. They are skilled in both planning and adapting and need not fear the result of a thousand battles: for they win in advance defeating those that have already lost.”
How would you assess your ability to adapt? If you’re a firm owner, how would you assess the ability of the other recruiters in your office to adapt? Adaptability is a leading indicator of success. Make sure that it’s a trait in ample abundance.
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Bob Marshall of TBMG International, founder of The Marshall Plan, has an extensive background in the recruiting industry as a recruiter, manager, vice president, president, consultant, and trainer. In 2016, Marshall is celebrating his 36th year in the recruiting business. He can be reached at bob@themarshallplan.org or at 770.898.5550. Marshall’s website is www.themarshallplan.org.