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Episode 41

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Published on:

24th Feb 2021

Adaptability is a key soft skill for virtual leaders

Adaptability is a key soft skill for virtual leaders

Adaptability empowers a virtual leader to thrive within a rapid change environment

Speaking broadly, adaptability in a leader is seen when learning new skills to change the course of their choices and their actions in response to circumstances that are in a rapid change pattern.  

The cycle looks like this: 

Rapid change → Recognized need for new skill development → Different choices are needed → Different actions must be pursued → the next phase of rapid change

Three things to consider with seeking the evidence of adaptability in a leader:

1.      Being grounded so you can soar

2.      A willingness to shift thoughts and ideas that result in relevant actions for times of rapid change

3.      Focusing on an energy that moves the work from transaction (getting tasks done) to transformation (discovering what really matters and then unleashing actions that make a difference)

Adaptability empowers a virtual leader to thrive within a rapid change environment!

Three things that are missing if virtual leaders are not demonstrating adaptability.

1.      Continued reference to the existing way of doing things. 

2.      A lack of inclusion in new partnerships

3.      Confusion and uncertainty on changing priorities. 

Virtual leadership for many is a new normal that will fundamentally change the lives for many of today’s leaders.  If you are, or work with, virtual leaders, let me encourage you to affirm what grounds you and they determine the willingness to adapt to the value found in a new normal.

“You cannot be the same, think the same, and act the same if you hope to be successful in a world that does not remain the same.” John Maxwell, international leadership expert.

Maxwell, J. (2019). Leadershift: the 11 essential changes every leader must embrace. USA: Harper Collins, p. 7

My name is Niña Ellison, Leadership Consultant and coach. You can reach me at www.healthyleadership.online.

Going forward you will see a new format to this podcast, The Art of Leadership, as I am shifting to publishing a podcast monthly. I look forward to connecting with you virtually at the end of March! 

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About the Podcast

The Art of Leadership
The Art of Leadership focuses on soft skills... some of the hardest skills a leader will ever learn.
The Art of Leadership with Dr. Niña Ellison focuses on the soft skills of leadership, their value and the power of their influence. As a leader, if you are interested in moving from success to significance then balancing both hard and soft skills is essential!

Hard skills are demonstrated through technical expertise that results in clearly measured goals being reached. They are vital to the success of any initiative or program. On the other hand, soft skills emphasize the transformation of people. They highlight behavioral changes and making a difference in people’s lives.

This podcast is for leaders who are seeking a fresh perspective into some of the hardest soft skills a leader will ever learn. You can connect with Niña at https://www.ninaellison.com

About your host

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Niña Ellison

In 2019, after years of leading teams varying from international disaster relief and healthcare to the US Corporate world, Niña founded Healthy Leadership to focus on her passion for partnering with leaders in their growth and sustainability. Her own journey into soft skill development has convinced her that while her technical skills helped her get her foot in the door, her soft skills moved the influence of her leadership from success to significance.

As a soft skill specialist Niña takes monthly deep dives in her podcast series, The Art of Leadership, to explore the underlying dimensions of soft skills. She knows that soft skill development is not so much about WHAT but HOW a leader leads.
• From a 10,000 foot view a leader pursuing soft skills asks, “How do I problem solve; How do I manage time and energy?”
• From a 1,000-foot view that same leader, as they dig deeper into soft skills, begins asking questions like, “How do I listen; or How do gain self-control?”
• From Ground Zero the leader recognizes that there are underlying dimensions of soft skills as they ask, “How do I model respect for all; How do I sustain hope; How do I demonstrate appropriate love in the workplace; How do I maintain the right attitude?” How do I lead by serving?

Nina believes that behind every wildly effective and sustainable system and process are leaders and teams who have interwoven soft skills into every phase of their work.