Tips for Developing Cognitive Flexibility in the Workplace

The belief that once a commitment is made, it’s set in stone: Myth! This rigid mindset is not only outdated but also detrimental to a team’s ability to adapt and thrive in a dynamic environment. ✅Embrace Flexibility: Flexibility shows a commitment to continuous improvement and responsiveness to change. ✅Clarity Over Certainty: Cohesive teams choose clarity. They support decisions until new facts suggest a change in direction. ✅Avoid Assumptions and Ambiguity: Strive for clear understanding and avoid assumptions that lead to confusion. ✅Commit to Learning: Treat every decision as a learning opportunity. Be open to revisiting commitments with new information. ✅Foster Open Communication: Create a safe environment for team members to voice concerns and present new insights. Action Steps: ▪️Regularly review decisions and assess new information. ▪️Value everyone's input and welcome new insights. ▪️Keep a record of decisions and revisions for transparency. ▪️Recognize and celebrate the team's successful adaptations. By embracing these principles, your team can stay agile, effective, and aligned with goals, even in uncertainty. 

In 2011, my wife and I found ourselves in a unique position at Fort Polk, LA. As newly licensed clinical psychologists and newlyweds, we were the only active-duty psychologists on a base of 10,000+ soldiers. In addition, I would be deploying in the coming months to Afghanistan with an infantry combat brigade. Reflecting on these experiences after 10+ years in business, I realize how closely combat challenges mirror everyday workplace pressures. Here are a few things I learned in combat, and then applied to business. 1) Overcoming Imposter Syndrome Experience: In Afghanistan, I often grappled with feelings of being an imposter. Freshly licensed and tasked with the mental health care of thousands of soldiers, I constantly questioned myself: "Who am I to shoulder this responsibility? Am I truly the right person for this job?" This sense of doubt isn't unique to combat zones—it's also prevalent in the business world, where fears like "What if they discover I'm not who they think I am?" loom large. How should we tackle these concerns? ✅ Do: Seek Constructive Feedback - Actively solicit feedback, especially about behaviors and impact, to anchor your self-assessment in reality, not impostor fears. ❌ Don't: Compare Yourself to Others - Stop tallying your achievements against others; it fuels doubts and derails personal progress. 2) Managing Unpredictability Experience: In Afghanistan, situations changed abruptly, requiring me to adapt on the fly. For example, a team was in a shootout in a bazaar in the local town and now the company commander wants the psychologist to travel by convoy to assist with his debrief; what do you do? This unpredictability isn't just a military challenge—it mirrors the dynamic nature of the business world where flexibility is key to survival. How can we better handle such changes? ✅ Do: Stay Flexible - Being "Open to Experience" is a key personality trait that can be utilized effectively. Embrace change by staying open to new methods and solutions. ❌ Don't: Resist Change - Avoid sticking rigidly to old ways when new situations arise; this can hinder progress and adaptation. 3) Dealing with High Stakes Experience: High-risk situations required meticulous risk evaluation. Many times, I questioned whether exposing myself to physical risk was worth the potential consequences for myself and my family, as well as for the brigade, given that I was the sole psychologist for 4,000 soldiers. Similarly, in business, high stakes involve significant risks that can affect the entire company. ✅ Do: Risk Assessment - Regularly evaluate potential risks and their impacts. ❌ Don't: Neglect Planning - Skipping thorough planning and feedback can lead to unmitigated risks and failures. We took this picture in the airport, our first reunion in over 10 months since I had left for Afghanistan 

I wanted to share a quote that really moved me today 👇 “Not being tense but ready.
Not thinking but not dreaming.
Not being set but flexible.
Liberation from the uneasy sense of confinement.
It is being wholly and quietly alive, aware and alert, ready for whatever may come.”  ― Bruce Lee, Tao of Jeet Kune Do I’ve become a big fan of profound insights from the legendary martial artist, Bruce Lee, that extend far beyond the realm of martial arts.  Applying his thoughts and teachings in my life has helped me in a number of ways — like these: ✅ Not being tense but ready. Example: Imagine facing a challenging situation at work. Instead of tensing up with worry, stay calm and mentally prepared to handle it effectively. Application: Approach life with a relaxed readiness, allowing you to respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively. ✅ Not thinking but not dreaming. Example: While pursuing a goal, avoid getting lost in daydreams or overthinking every detail. Strike a balance between thoughtful planning and taking decisive action. Application: Stay grounded in reality while maintaining a vision for your aspirations, taking practical steps towards realizing them. ✅ Not being set but flexible. Example: When faced with unexpected changes or obstacles, remain adaptable and open to new possibilities rather than rigidly sticking to a predetermined course. Application: Cultivate a mindset of flexibility, allowing you to adjust and flow with life's twists and turns, ultimately enhancing resilience and growth. ✅ Liberation from the uneasy sense of confinement. Example: Free yourself from limiting beliefs or self-imposed boundaries that hold you back from fully experiencing life's richness and opportunities. Application: Embrace a mindset of liberation, expanding your horizons and embracing the vast potential within and around you. ✅ Wholly and quietly alive, aware and alert. Example: Engage fully in the present moment, savoring life's experiences with mindful awareness and a sense of aliveness. Application: Practice mindfulness and cultivate inner presence, allowing you to appreciate the beauty of each moment and respond with clarity and authenticity. Hopefully these leave you feeling ready to take on the day 🚀 #life #habits #success #personalgrowth