Top Tips for Building Adaptability as a Skill in the Age of AI

Todd McLees
3 min readSep 28, 2023

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In today’s rapidly evolving landscape, adaptability is more than just a “nice-to-have” trait; it’s a critical skill for survival and success. As AI continues to disrupt traditional work environments, the ability to adapt becomes increasingly essential. This article offers actionable tips for building adaptability and outlines why it’s crucial in the Age of AI.

Emotional Intelligence

Tip: Practice self-awareness and empathy to navigate interpersonal relationships better.

Emotional intelligence is a cornerstone of adaptability. Being aware of your own emotions and those of others allows you to navigate complex social situations with ease. In the Age of AI, where technical skills can be automated, your ability to connect with people provides a unique value that machines can’t replicate.

Continuous Skill-Building

Tip: Cultivate a diverse portfolio of skills that can be applied in various situations.

In the Age of AI, adaptability is closely tied to your ability to build diverse skills. Rather than relying on a static set of competencies, the most adaptable individuals continuously add to their skill sets, readying themselves for a range of challenges and opportunities. This approach turns you into a multi-dimensional asset capable of navigating the complexities of modern work environments.

Proactive Problem-Solving

Tip: Don’t wait for problems to come to you; seek them out and solve them beforehand.

Being proactive in identifying and solving problems is a hallmark of an adaptable individual. In a world where AI can perform routine tasks, your ability to foresee issues and create innovative solutions becomes your competitive edge. Proactive problem-solving makes you indispensable and prepares you for unforeseen challenges.

Openness to Feedback

Tip: Embrace constructive criticism as an opportunity for growth.

In the fast-paced, ever-changing environment of the Age of AI, feedback is your best friend. It provides you with the insights you need to adapt and grow. Being open to receiving and acting on feedback can be the difference between becoming obsolete and evolving. It’s a continuous loop of improvement that aligns you with the dynamic needs of the modern world.

Networking and Collaboration

Tip: Build a robust professional network to tap into diverse perspectives.

The Age of AI is not a journey you undertake alone. Building a robust network provides you with a wealth of perspectives and insights you might not have access to otherwise. Collaboration enhances your adaptability by exposing you to different problem-solving approaches and broadening your understanding of various issues.

Resilience and Stress Management

Tip: Develop coping mechanisms to bounce back from setbacks quickly.

Resilience is the bedrock upon which adaptability is built. The ability to manage stress and bounce back from setbacks allows you to navigate the ups and downs of the Age of AI. As workplaces become more volatile due to technological disruptions, your resilience ensures you remain steadfast and adaptable.

Adaptability is the tipping point between being buried and standing tall in a world where the ground shifts beneath our feet. It’s the skill that turns the unpredictable winds of change into the updrafts that lift us higher. As we navigate the complexities of our modern age, adaptability isn’t just the skill that sets us apart but ensures our survival and success. It’s the ultimate survival skill for the Age of AI, making us survivors and pioneers in a new world.

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Todd McLees
Todd McLees

Written by Todd McLees

humanskills.ai Founder | Bridging Humans & AI in Higher Ed & Enterprise | Creator of AI Agility | HBR Contributor | Global Speaker | Future of Work & Learning

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