EDITION #7: BE LIKE WATER

Before the global lockdown and shutdown following the COVID-19 pandemic, when news of the outbreak initially spread across media stations, the medical university I lectured at started putting online systems and structures in place and educating the academic staff on the use of online platforms like Zoom and Microsoft Teams to deliver lectures and hold meetings. We were trained in using examination portals like Examsoft to conduct examinations online and run our assessments. We also had training on administering clinical examinations online.

All these were done BEFORE the global lockdown and shutdown. The leadership wanted us to be fully prepared for a transition.

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AND THEIR PREDICTIONS WERE RIGHT! ??

When the lockdown and shutdown were imposed, and companies, organizations, and institutions were forced to transition to the online space, my university had such a smooth transition that there was no break in our academic calendar. Talk about visionary and adaptable leadership!????

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However, another medical university in the same country was forced to shut down during the pandemic because they didn’t prepare to transition their operations online. ??

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DEAR TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADER, you are welcome to the SEVENTH EDITION of my LinkedIn Newsletter. Thank you for your consistent reading and engagement. ??

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In 1971, Bruce Lee gave an interview to Pierre Berton in which he famously talked about his philosophy on being like water. The quote:

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“Be Water, My Friend. Empty your mind…You put water into a cup; it becomes the cup. You put water into a bottle; it becomes the bottle. You put it into a teapot; it becomes the teapot…Be water, my friend.” ??

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In leadership, being like water is synonymous with being ADAPTABLE. Water adapts to whatever environment or container it is put in. Likewise, you must adjust your leadership to the climate to remain resilient and relevant.

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In our ever-evolving business landscape, adaptability is the hallmark of effective leadership. As markets shift, technologies evolve, and unexpected challenges arise, the ability to pivot and thrive amid change is essential. In this edition of our leadership newsletter, we’ll explore actionable strategies to enhance your adaptability and drive your organization forward.

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Here’s how you can cultivate adaptability in your leadership journey:

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??EMBRACE CONTINUOUS LEARNING. Staying informed about industry trends, technological advancements, and global developments is crucial. Commit to being a lifelong learner by engaging in continuous education. Attend webinars, read industry reports, and participate in professional development courses. This knowledge enhances your adaptability and equips you to make informed decisions.

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??CULTIVATE A GROWTH MINDSET. Adopt a growth mindset - the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work. View challenges as opportunities to learn and grow rather than obstacles. Encourage your team to take risks, experiment, and view failures as learning experiences. This mindset fosters innovation and resilience.

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??FOSTER COLLABORATION. Collaboration enhances adaptability by bringing diverse perspectives and ideas to the table. Create an inclusive environment where team members feel valued and heard. Encourage open communication and team-based problem-solving. Leveraging your organization's collective intelligence leads to more robust solutions and greater adaptability.

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??PRACTICE AGILITY. Agile leaders can quickly respond to changing circumstances without losing sight of long-term goals. Prioritize flexibility in your approach, delegate effectively, and empower your teams to make decisions. Implement agile methodologies to streamline processes and enhance your organization’s ability to pivot when needed.

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??STAY GROUNDED IN CORE VALUES. While adaptability requires flexibility, staying grounded in your core values is essential. Your values serve as a compass, guiding you through change and ensuring that decisions align with your organization’s mission and vision. This balance between adaptability and steadfast values ensures consistent leadership.

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???BUILD A RESILIENT CULTURE. Create a culture of resilience within your organization. Prepare your team for change by providing the necessary training and resources. Encourage a positive attitude towards setbacks, viewing them as opportunities for growth. A resilient culture enables your organization to withstand challenges and emerge stronger.

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??LEVERAGE TECHNOLOGY. Embrace technological advancements to enhance adaptability. Utilize tools and platforms that facilitate remote work, data analysis, and communication. Stay ahead of technological trends and integrate them into your operations to streamline processes and improve efficiency.

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??SEEK FEEDBACK AND REFLECT. Regularly seek feedback from your team and stakeholders. Reflect on your experiences and be open to constructive criticism. Use this feedback to make informed adjustments and continuously improve your leadership approach. This practice enhances your adaptability and fosters trust and collaboration within your team.

CONCLUSION

Adaptability is a crucial trait for modern leaders. By embracing continuous learning, cultivating a growth mindset, fostering collaboration, practicing agility, staying grounded in core values, building a resilient culture, leveraging technology, and seeking feedback, you can enhance your ability to navigate change effectively.

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Let’s commit to becoming adaptable leaders who thrive in any environment and guide our organizations toward success.

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Stay Adaptable. Stay Resilient. BE LIKE WATER.??

Which of these points resonates with you? How has adaptability helped you in your leadership? What other strategies have enabled you to be more adaptable? Please share in the comments section.

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Did you find this newsletter helpful? Please like and repost it to your network to benefit another leader. Are you reading my content for the first time? Let’s connect and grow together. Also, kindly subscribe to my newsletter to receive past and future editions.

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Cheers to Your Continued Growth & Success! Have a pleasant, peaceful, and productive week ahead.

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Your Friend,

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Dr. Rukevwe Odjimogho, M.D. ??

MLCT Executive Director

[email protected]

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