The traditional career model—education, degree, steady promotion, and retirement—is becoming a thing of the past. According to Professor Joseph Fuller of Harvard Business School, the decisive factor for success in the 21st century is neither raw talent nor a perfect plan, but rather the ability to adapt to a rapidly changing market.
Adaptability Over Rigid Planning
Professor Fuller argues that successful people are not held hostage by their original strategies. They possess the ability to modify goals, pivot, and even start over when the situation demands it. This flexibility is deeply rooted in emotional intelligence, particularly self-control and stress resilience. A report by the World Economic Forum corroborates this, ranking adaptability and the readiness to learn among the most sought-after skills in the modern workforce.
The Darwinian Advantage
The concept echoes Charles Darwin’s theory: it is not the strongest who survive, but those most responsive to change. In a professional context, adaptability does not mean abandoning ambition or blindly following trends. Instead, it is defined by openness to new people and ideas, strategic thinking under pressure, and the capacity to make quick decisions in unfamiliar territory.
How to Train Your Flexibility
Adaptability is not an innate trait but a skill that can be cultivated. Professor Fuller recommends a practical exercise known as “role reversal.” This involves taking a moment once a week to view a conflict or decision through the eyes of another person. Neurobiology suggests this practice strengthens the prefrontal cortex, the area of the brain responsible for problem-solving. Additionally, undertaking small challenges—such as learning a new skill or reading outside one’s industry—can help condition the mind to become comfortable with the unknown.
Mentoring question
If you looked at your current biggest professional challenge through the eyes of a complete stranger, what solution might you see that your current perspective is blocking?