Adaptability lives in the moment. They don't see the future as a fixed destination. Instead, they see it as a place that they create out of the choices that are made right now. And so Adaptability discovers their future one choice at a time. This doesn't mean that they don't have plans. They probably do. But this theme of Adaptability does enable them to respond willingly to the demands of the moment even if those pull them away from their plans.
Unlike some, Adaptabilities don't resent sudden requests or unforeseen detours. They expect them. They are inevitable. Indeed, on some level they actually look forward to them. They are, at heart, a very flexible person who can stay productive when the demands of work are pulling them in many different directions at once.
Some with the theme of Adaptability would rather not plan ahead, because that would be too constraining or confining. On the other hand, others with Adaptability need parameters or instructions first. Then they color in that entire space with their plans, options, and ideas that are very intentional and productive.
Think of water flowing down a mountainside —any rock is not an obstacle for someone with Adaptability, it is an opportunity to try a different path and smoothly flow around the stream with ease.
They do not really have to learn to change, they just do. They can deal with just about anything that comes their way, and are very adept at handling the unexpected. The more change the better because change keeps them moving. Obstacles are just something they maneuver around.“No problem, now we can go this way. No worries, we’ll try this, now.”
Leading Others with Adaptability (from Strengths Based Leadership)
These folks like to react and respond. Position them so that success depends on their ability to adjust to the unforeseen and then run with it.
Let them know about the plans you are making, but unless they are also strong in Focus, don’t expect them to do the planning with you. They are likely to find much preparation work boring.
Examine their other dominant themes. If they also have strong talents in Empathy, you might try to position them in a role in which they can be sensitive to and accommodate the varied needs of customers or guests. If one of their other strong themes is Developer, perhaps a mentor type role would suit them well.