Are you able to to adapt to changing circumstances, thoughts and emotions while staying aligned with your values and long-term goals? If the answer is yes, you have ‘psychological flexibility’. It's the capacity to shift perspectives, be open to new experiences and respond effectively, even in the face of stress, uncertainty or adversity.
The concept originates from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), where psychological flexibility is considered a key factor in mental health and well-being.
For leaders and managers, psychological flexibility is emerging as a new “superpower” because of its profound impact on both individual performance and team dynamics in today’s fast-paced, ever-evolving working environments.
Yet why is it so crucial?
Adaptability in uncertain times
In a world of rapid technological advancements, shifting market conditions and global disruptions, leaders are constantly faced with new challenges. Psychologically flexible leaders can pivot quickly, adjust strategies and make decisions in uncertainty without getting overwhelmed by fear or rigid thinking. This ability to embrace change and uncertainty helps them maintain momentum, even in volatile circumstances.
Emotional intelligence and resilience
Psychologically flexible leaders manage their emotions effectively. They can experience stress or discomfort without letting it dictate their actions, which prevents burnout and promotes resilience. Instead of being reactive, they respond thoughtfully, which helps them manage their teams with empathy and composure, even in pressured situations. This emotional intelligence is key for building trust and fostering a supportive work culture.
Better problem-solving and innovation
Being open to different perspectives, ideas and experiences enhances creativity. Psychologically flexible leaders are less attached to their own assumptions or ways of doing things. They can step back, reassess situations and encourage their teams to explore innovative solutions. This openness fuels collaboration and leads to better problem-solving, as diverse viewpoints and novel approaches are considered.
Improved decision-making
Psychologically flexible leaders are better at making decisions because they balance emotion with reason. They don't ignore uncomfortable thoughts or feelings, but can set them aside to focus on what’s most important. This balance allows them to make clearer, more values-driven decisions instead of getting bogged down in momentary emotional responses or short-term fixes.
Leading by example
By demonstrating psychological flexibility, leaders model how to navigate challenges in a healthy and productive way. Their teams observe how they manage stress, embrace change and remain solution-focused, which can positively influence the entire organisation’s culture. In turn, teams are more likely to adopt flexible mindsets themselves, increasing overall performance, innovation and engagement.
Fostering psychological safety
And finally, psychologically flexible leaders create environments where team members feel safe to express ideas, voice concerns, or admit mistakes. This psychological safety is crucial for collaboration, innovation and accountability, as it encourages individuals to take risks without fear of punishment. When leaders demonstrate openness to feedback and vulnerability, they create a culture that thrives on mutual support and continuous improvement.
Psychological flexibility equips leaders and managers with the mindset to not just survive but thrive amid uncertainty, and the ability to inspire and engage teams in meaningful ways.
To practise the skill of psychological flexibility, next time you experience an unwanted thought or feeling, you may want to experiment with one or more of these questions…
• What do you notice you are experiencing right now?
• What is important or matters to you here?
• What is your mind saying about this?
• What might your mind be trying to prevent or protect you from?
• If a loved one was here now, what would they say?
• What’s important for you to remember from this moment?
To learn more about psychological flexibility, I recommend a visit to the website of one of the founders of ACT and author of "The Happiness Trap", Dr Russ Harris.
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