Cognitive Skills for VA's: Adaptability

Change is something that is constant and being resilient in the face of change is a worthwhile skill for any virtual assistant and demonstrates adaptability. Adaptability is crucial to a virtual assistant. In my recent interview with VA and entrepreneur Sarah, founder of Canadian Virtual Assistant Professionals spoke to in her deciding to become a VA by pivoting from a corporate job (S. Luth, personal communication, February 18, 2022).In my interview with VA and entrepreneur Marianne, owner of Time Flies Administrative Services, she also discussed adaptability as a critical skill as it relates to problems or issues typically encountered in the work setting (M. D’Alessandro, personal communication, February 17, 2022).Adaptability is also an example of resourcefulness which I discuss in a previous Blog. In the article discussed in my previous Blog, Indeed offers the advice that “Developing your adaptability can improve your ability to accept and respond to changes quickly…Accepting different work approaches and developing strategies to adjust to changing factors, conditions or environments is a highly values skill in many workplaces” (Indeed, 2021, Examples of resourcefulness skills section, para. 1).

In another related article, they state that “Being adaptable is also important because it showcases your ability to be resourceful, displays your leadership skills, determination, analytical skills, and more. These are all valuable qualities than an employer looks for in an employee” (Indeed, 2021, Why is adaptability in the workplace important? Section, para.1).

The same article also offers tips for anyone looking to master or just improve their skills in being adaptable in eight easy steps:

1. Get out of your comfort zone. When you step out of your comfort zone, you’ll be presented with new situations you wouldn’t typically come across. The more you do this, the better you’ll be able to exhibit flexibility and asses how best to approach new scenarios.

2. Be a better listener. In order to be adaptable, it’s important to actively listen to what’s going on in the workplace. This is because the better listener you are, the better you’ll be able to understand how a situation should be handled. This will allow you to resolve any conflict or change with ease, produce the best response, and create a more positive environment for all involved.

3. Ask questions. Consider asking your co-workers how they perform certain tasks and handle certain situations in the workplace. One of the greatest ways to learn adaptability is to not only observe but actively seek advice from others who excel in this area. Make sure your questions are professional and well thought out.

4. Be willing to make mistakes. Though making mistakes can be disheartening, it also provides you with various opportunities such as the ability to learn a valuable lesson, share knowledge and consider a future solution. Change your mindset when it comes to your mistakes in the workplace, the more adaptable you’ll be at managing the fallout.

5. Find the positive. Many things in life and in the workplace don’t go as planned. When this happens, focus on the positive. This will allow you to change your mindset and pay attention to the positives. Consider what you’re able to take away from these situations and be optimistic about the future.

6. Learn from your coworkers. One great way to learn adaptability is to observe how your co-workers embrace change. Consider the way they showcase their adaptability in certain situations and how you can apply those same concepts. It can also be beneficial to ask them for any tips they can provide you with in this area.

7. Find balance in your life. It’s normal to have many obligations in life and at work. The more balanced you are, the more grounded and clear-headed you’ll be to handle impending change. Make sure you’re taking the time to evaluate the various parts of your life and the time you devote to them individually.

8. Practice emotional intelligence (which I go over in a later Blog). When trying to become more adaptable, consider practicing your emotional intelligence. That is, make sure you’re in control of your emotions and are aware of the emotions of those around you. This will help you shape your behaviour and response to certain workplace changes and situations. (Indeed, 2021, How to become more adaptable at work section, para.1-8)

By taking the advice from experts, professionals, and the tips offered above, an aspiring virtual assistant can learn to master their adaptability skills