Hosts Merv Jersak and Tim Jerome discuss the importance of adaptability and flexibility for project managers, particularly in IT project management. They define and differentiate between the two concepts, providing practical examples and insights on how these traits help manage changes and challenges in projects. The conversation touches on the interplay between adaptability and flexibility, their impact on team dynamics, and the role of project culture in supporting these qualities. The discussion concludes with the importance of continuous learning and the willingness to adapt for successful project delivery.

Main Take-Aways

The project leader must be adaptable and flexible as you lead your teams and interact with your stakeholders. An overview of the importance of adaptability and flexibility in your role of project leadership:

• a working definition of the terms
• practical examples of flexibility and adaptability to further clarify the terms
• handling changes that affect your projects
• being the example of adaptability and flexibility on your projects
• staying abreast of the fast pace of technical change

Show Notes

Today’s Project Managers Coffee Chat: Pivot and Prosper – Mastering Adaptability and Flexibility

01:02 Introducing this week’s podcast topic dealing with adaptability and flexibility. Defining adaptability and flexibility, and their interaction:

• adaptability – adjusting to new conditions
• flexibility – bending without breaking

04:35 Practical examples of flexibility to more completely define the concept.

06:02 The nuanced difference between adaptability and flexibility and an example of how the two can work together.

07:19 How to handle changes that affect the project from within and from external influences – more than being adaptable and flexible – by applying your other leadership skills of communication, transparency, change management processes, emotional intelligence, self-awareness, self-control, etc.

09:13 While applying your leadership skills, you must rely on your foundational technical skills and processes.

12:25 The connection between flexibility and human behavior. Learning to expand your ability to be flexible as you mature in your project management skills.

13:53 Your responsibility as project managers to demonstrate flexibility and adaptability, and to create an environment where your teams can excel.

16:05 The role of the project manager in developing a culture of adaptability and flexibility within the team, of showing a quiet confidence to your teams and your stakeholders.

17:58 As project managers, it is incumbent on you to stay abreast of the fast pace of change in our industry.