Now this one is often underestimated yet so crucial. Imagine a Formula 1 championship. Agile does mean to move fast but it has more to do with adapting fast than moving fast. Not only does the F1 driver have to be aware of his opponents at all times, but he also must focus on where he is going as well as where the other drivers are going. He cannot drive while only thinking about his car, tyres or the track as he will crash into an opponent. He has to be aware of what others are driving and think, sometimes on the spot, about his reaction and anticipating what his opponent will do. Especially taking corners on the track, he cannot drive without being aware of the drivers around them and the angles they will take around the corner or how he can stay ahead while they try and overtake him in the corner.

Agility in the workplace means that you (and hopefully your company is there too) constantly have to adapt to changes either at work, in the market or personally. Employers can already spot agility during an interview. Maybe the interview time and venue have changed last minute, and you smoothly accepted the new invite and still showed up on time. May they ask you something unexpectedly during the interview to see how you react. Once you are employed, the expectation is still there to be agile. Trends in the market are changing, can you please have a short report on the manager’s desk in the morning on how you are going to change your strategy to align with new market trends? Your manager is sick and you must stand in for a presentation during a meeting. For the business, it can sometimes mean changing the business model and adapting the pricing structure or offerings to stay competitive in the market. The trick here is to roll with the punches and not get too attached to any kind of strategy or tool for example as things can change overnight.

Be the F1 driver that takes it slowly around the corner because you anticipated your opponent’s move and avoided a collision, rather than being the one at the back that is too scared to risk anything, or the impulsive one that throws all caution to the wind and speeds around the corner to stay ahead, only to crash into the barrier.

Inspired by an article published in Forbes and written by Natalie Peart: The 12 Most Important Skills You Need To Succeed At Work.