Adaptive capacity is the ability of an organization, individual, or system to recognize change in the external environment and leverage existing knowledge, skills, abilities, and resources to sustain a level of performance or functionality necessary to meet goals and objectives. In a world where change is inevitable and accelerating, especially with the progression of artificial intelligence, adaptive capacity is essential. To build adaptive capacity, you should do the following:
Pay attention to current and emerging trends in politics, military, economics, information, and infrastructure.
Learn through feedback, trusted mentors, knowledge sharing, professional organizations, etc.
Develop flexibility and agility by cross-training, reducing unnecessary rigidity, and conditioning for change.
Improve decision-making by listening to those with expertise or who are close to the problem.
Fail soon and fast by experimenting with potential solutions before the change happens.
Build relationships before you need to ask for assistance.
Maintain your identity in the midst of change or transformation.
Once you build adaptive capacity, you will experience a level of peace knowing that you are sustaining today while building to thrive tomorrow. The future is yours if you are willing to ADAPT!