unit logo

Flexibility And Adaptability

Knowledge of successful approaches, tools, and techniques for dealing with changes and adapting to a changing environment; ability to adapt as needed.

Behavior Statements

Proficiency Level 1 - Basic understanding

Explains the perspective that change is inevitable.

Provides examples of flexible and inflexible behavior in the face of change.

Seeks value in new ways of doing things.

Easily copes with day-to-day frustrations, adversities and uncertainties.

Proficiency Level 2 - Working experience

Adjusts to new or changing assignments, processes, and people.

Provides examples of shifting from task to task.

Demonstrates willingness to listen to other opinions.

Accepts new or radical ideas with an open mind; avoids snap reactions.

Identifies and considers alternative approaches to situations or problems.

Proficiency Level 3 - Extensive experience

Makes progress in an atmosphere of ambiguity and uncertainty.

Recovers from disappointments and setbacks.

Works effectively with unstructured teams, situations, or environments.

Creates processes with provisions to accommodate change.

Helps others adapt to changing environments and accept new situations.

Leverages prior experience as a help towards handling changing situations.

Proficiency Level 4 - Subject matter depth and breadth

Demonstrates an ability to thrive in an unstructured, ambiguous environment.

Adapts leadership style and management to situation at hand.

Adjusts departmental priorities and resource allocations to support changing needs.

Develops, implements, monitors, and fine-tunes transitional programs.

Promotes new trends and changing demands as opportunities for the organization.

Coaches others to view failure is an opportunity to learn for the future.

Interview Questions

  • Tell me about a major organizational change that you have experienced (layoff, acquisition, etc). How did you respond, and how did you help others in their response?
  • Tell me about a time when project plans or deliverables changed unexpectedly. How did you modify your approach?
  • Have you ever had to change your work style for a particular project, client, or colleague? Why, how, and what was the result?

Titles with Shared Competencies

Academic Advisor I Academic Advisor II Academic Assistant I Academic Assistant II Academic Assistant III Academic Program Specialist I Academic Program Specialist II Academic Program Specialist III Accountant I Accountant III Accountant IV Agricultural/Food Scientist II Agricultural/Food Scientist III Agricultural/Food Scientist IV Application Developer Analyst III Assistant Director, Conferences Biological Scientist I Biological Scientist II Biological Scientist III Biological Scientist IV Broadcasting Coordinator I Broadcasting Coordinator II Broadcasting Coordinator III Cashier Chemist I Chemist II Chemist III Chemist IV Chief Meteorologist Chief of Staff Child Development Teacher Conference/Event Manager I Conference/Event Manager II Conference/Event Planner I Conference/Event Planner II Conference/Event Planner III Conservation Scientist/Forester II Conservation Scientist/Forester III Customer Service Representative End User Computing Specialist I End User Computing Specialist II Fiscal Assistant I Fiscal Assistant II Grants Accountant II Grants Accountant IV Grants Accountant V Graphic Designer I Human Resources Assistant Immigration Specialist I Immigration Specialist II IT Generalist I IT Generalist II IT Generalist III IT Generalist IV IT Project Manager I IT Project Manager II IT Project Manager III IT Support Supervisor Marketing and Communications Specialist I Marketing and Communications Specialist II Marketing and Communications Specialist III Marketing Assistant Marketing Specialist Meteorologist Procurement Assistant Production Control Analyst Program Assistant Public Relations Specialist I Public Relations Specialist II Public Relations Specialist III Purchasing Assistant Research Assistant I Research Assistant II Research Assistant III Research Assistant IV Research Technician Security Manager Study Abroad Advisor Systems Admin/Programmer III Systems Admin/Programmer V Web Designer I Web Designer II Web Designer III