Here's how you can cultivate adaptability in your healthcare team.

Your posture toward changes can either be positive, negative or neutral. In order to encourage team adaptability, you need to foster a posture that allows for that. Static environments don't allow people to prepare for adaptation. Use tabletop exercises and gameplay to create situations where your team has an opportunity to share ideas and test boundaries about the kinds of changes that are developed and supported. This preparation gives people the confidence that they can adapt when needed and are able to work together to make change something that creates opportunity to move organizational goals forward. Change is better when we understand it is the only constant and we're ready to capitalize on it.

Cultivating adaptability in a healthcare team starts with fostering a culture of continuous learning and open communication. Encourage team members to embrace change by offering regular training sessions on new technologies and practices. Promote flexibility by allowing them to explore different roles or responsibilities within the team. Lead by example—demonstrate a positive attitude toward change and uncertainty. Additionally, encourage collaboration and problem-solving, as working together on new challenges builds collective resilience. Regular feedback and recognition also help reinforce a growth mindset, driving adaptability across the team.

To cultivate adaptability in your healthcare team, foster a culture of collaboration and critical thinking. Encourage flexibility in problem-solving, provide cross-functional training, and empower team members to embrace change and innovation. Regularly update protocols and involve staff in decision-making to create a responsive and resilient team.

Encourage continuing learning & professional development. Team members are more likely to adapt to change rather than to resist when they have updated skills & info. Implement changes based on new trends, tech & evidence (going back to continuing learning). Encourage team members to think strategically when unexpected issues arise, and think creatively (SOP's are guidelines). Show flexibility in your own approaches to challenges & changes. Team members are likely to follow what they observe. Cross-training is a biggie. Have your team learn different roles to increase versatility, this becomes very useful also during mass emergencies to have a cross-skilled team.

I’ve found that letting the team experiment—and sometimes fail—is crucial. During a process revamp, I gave the team the freedom to test different approaches. Some flopped, but one solution cut patient wait times. Let people fail forward.

As a healthcare manager, your adaptability directly influences your team’s ability to embrace change. By demonstrating flexibility in your own approach and being open to pivot when necessary, you set a strong example. Share stories of how adaptability has led to successful outcomes, such as overcoming operational challenges or improving patient care. These experiences show your team that change can lead to growth and positive results. When your team sees you navigating changes with optimism and resilience, they are more likely to mirror that mindset, fostering a culture that thrives on adaptability and continuous improvement.

As a leader, your actions set the tone for adaptability within the team. Demonstrating a willingness to adapt to new situations, technologies, or processes shows staff that flexibility is an organizational value. Be transparent about the challenges that come with change and how you are personally addressing them. Share your experiences in learning new skills or approaches to model an adaptive mindset. Show humility by acknowledging when adjustments are needed, and encourage feedback from the team. By leading with openness, resilience, and a positive attitude toward change, you inspire your team to follow suit and cultivate their own adaptability.

Adaptability thrives on a foundation of continuous learning. Encourage your healthcare team to stay curious and committed to professional growth by offering opportunities for skill development and education. Create a culture where learning is prioritized, whether through formal training, workshops, or on-the-job experiences. Regularly introduce new information on industry trends, medical advancements, or process improvements. Provide resources such as online courses or seminars, and incentivize participation. A team that continuously learns becomes more confident and capable in navigating change. Emphasizing lifelong learning equips staff with the tools to adapt quickly to new challenges, ensuring long-term success.

En la atención sanitaria, la adaptabilidad es clave para enfrentar los cambios constantes. Aquí te indicamos cómo fomentarla: 1. Abrazar el cambio: El cambio es una oportunidad de crecimiento. Comunica abiertamente las razones detrás de las transiciones y permite la retroalimentación del equipo, haciéndolos parte de la solución. 2. Liderar con el ejemplo: Como líder, muestra flexibilidad y comparte cómo la adaptabilidad ha impactado positivamente a la organización. 3. Fomentar el aprendizaje continuo: Ofrece desarrollo profesional para que el equipo esté preparado para los cambios futuros. 4. Colaboración y resiliencia: Promueve un entorno colaborativo y apoya al equipo en el manejo del estrés.