Flexibility
Practical exercise to develop Flexibikity
Timing: 50 minutes -> (each section can be prolonged if necessary)
Rationale
Flexibility is the capacity to adjust to short-term change so that you can deal with unexpected problems or tasks effectively. The training gives an introduction why flexilibility is important in working life and some examples how mentors can support mentorees in adapting to changes and building up their flexibility.
Learning objectives
In the training, participants will:
- Discuss the importance of flexibility in performing tasks
- Identify different ways to improve flexibility
- Discuss how this skill can strengthen the ability to achieve goals
Preparation
Have a computer and an overhead projector ready
Prepare a PowerPoint presentation for the introduction
Prepare pieces of paper for all the participants
Sources for the further study of the topic:
”How to Be Flexible in the Workplace” by mindtools.com
”Training Courses To Improve Adaptability and Flexibility Skills” by edapp.com
Procedure
Introduction to the objective, aims, and structure of the training session. (10 min)
Briefly present the content of the training session and the aim. Give a short introduction to flexibility and why it is relevant for the mentoring program.
(content for the powerpoint presentation
Flexibility is a measure of how we deal with the unexpected. Having a high level of flexibility makes it easier to adjust to changes without creating extra stress. Flexibility is needed both in life in general and in working life. In this training, the focus is on improving the flexibility in the context of work life.
Flexibility is important for a variety of reasons. Being flexible can help you avoid being overwhelmed by change. You can also have an increased ability to direct your development rather than being a passive participant. Some of the benefits include:
- Adaptability to change: Being flexible allows you to adjust to changes without negative side effects.
- Managing the unexpected: An unexpected event requires adaptability: you may need to rearrange your work because of outside factors.
- Staying employed: Work life evolves all the time. Being flexible helps you to grow with the demands and maintain employment.
- Life satisfaction: Flexibility can reduce stress and help you to manage the requirements of working life
Flexibility is an important tool. Projects with many moving parts are more manageable when working with flexible mind and with team members.
Some tips to practise skills for becoming flexible at work:
- make time to stay up to date with latest information
- communicate your expectations
- focus on the solutions
Examples from real life (facilitator can share his/her own experiences)
Exercise 1: presenting the following questions and asks mentees to think individually for a moment (10 minutes)
- What is flexibility, and why is it important in working life / for achieving goals?
- What are some examples of when you had to be flexible?
- What techniques do you use to enhance your flexibility?
The idea of the exercise is to give the participants time to reflect their own thoughts and come up with questions and experiences regarding flexibility.
Exercise 2 (25 min)
Participants are divided into pairs or smaller groups. Each pair/group discusses the same questions. All participants should share their thoughts which are written down. (15 minutes)
At the end of this session, each pair/group will present the results of their work. The facilitator highlights the different ways of thinking and approaching the same questions. (10 minutes)
The aim of this exercise is to share experience and identify different ways to improve flexibility. As flexibility is related to personal features, it is necessary that everyone recognises his/her own capabilities. The idea of this exercise is to give directions how and when flexibility may be required and a brief introduction on how to prepare for that.
Final discussion: (5 min)
The facilitator leads a discussion about the different skills covered in the training session and how they can be applied in the current context.
The facilitators sums up:
Best practices for strengthening flexibility
- Accept that change is inevitable. It can help you to reduce the fear or anxiety you might be feeling when circumstances change. This can help you to develop new problem-solving strategies.
- Overcome limitations and keep learning new perspectives.
- other features that arises from the discussions