How do adaptive organisations empower individuals at every level to take ownership of change, experiment and learn?
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Championing behaviours that drive adaptability
People ultimately power adaptability. Not just by doing the work, but by shaping how change happens. The human engine runs on behaviours that listen, respond and adapt.
It protects energy, provides direction and keeps momentum going. Leading organisations don’t just look at skills and capabilities. They also track how people are experiencing change – and act on what they learn. They treat capacity as a finite resource, not something to burn through. That means protecting against fatigue, focusing on what matters and building the skills that keep progress moving.
And when things shift, as they always do, they guide people with a clear value compass. So even when plans evolve, the direction stays clear.
BEHAVIOUR 1: CHAMPION YOUR PEOPLE DATA (TO DRIVE REAL CHANGE)
Our research shows that those who actively monitor engagement during transformation are more likely to report smoother outcomes.
40
Nearly 40% of these organisations meet their goals, compared to just 26% of those that don’t.
BEHAVIOUR 2: PROTECT YOUR SPARK (YOUR PEOPLE’S CAPACITY FOR CHANGE HAS LIMITS)
Adaptability depends on energy – and right now, many organisations are running low. Leaders are seeing the signs: employees stretched thin by constant waves of transformation, struggling to juggle competing demands and lacking the skills to keep pace. These aren’t side issues – they’re early warnings that transformation may be at risk.
63
say their people are fatigued by ongoing change.
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Over 50% cite too many competing demands on their time.
BEHAVIOUR 3: FIND YOUR VALUE COMPASS (BECAUSE YOUR PEOPLE NEED DIRECTION)
Adaptability doesn’t mean drifting. The most resilient organisations stay focused, even when plans shift, because a clear value compass guides them to what matters most. It’s about creating real, tangible value for your customers, people, stakeholders and organisation. And then using this value as the compass for transformation.
65
say there’s a gap between that vision and the lived experience of employees.
Make adaptability your advantage
The data is clear: leading organisations that embed adaptability into both their system and people engines don’t just deliver transformation – they deliver lasting change.
Organisations that thrive are those whose leaders embed adaptability into every decision, every system and every team.
