At a time when burnout and work pressure are the order of the day, I see more and more people who lose pleasure in their work or even succumb to the pressure. This makes me realize how important it is to make the workplace a source of inspiration and satisfaction again. Because work should give us energy, challenge us and help us grow. But how do we achieve that?

I believe that being agile makes you resilient. An agile mindset enables you to tackle challenges such as work pressure, conflict, and complex relationships with resilience and creativity. By being agile, we are stronger in our work and can better deal with changing circumstances.

What is an agile mindset?

An agile mindset means that you can think and act flexibly. You are able to learn quickly and continuously improve yourself. It allows you to see challenges as opportunities, and to adapt to what the situation demands of you.

Dealing with change

When an organization decides to take a different course, everyone reacts differently. If you are open to change, you are willing to embrace new perspectives and ways of working. But if, for example, you think that a change process is pointless, because previous attempts have failed, this will increase your resistance. Our perspective often determines how we feel and behave. The event remains the same, but the way we give that meaning makes all the difference.

Accept or change?

Sometimes change is inevitable. Perhaps a reorganization is imminent and there is little point in resisting it. Accept what you can’t change, and focus your energy on seeing opportunities within the new situation. This doesn’t mean you become passive; It is precisely because of this open attitude that you create space for positive changes in your work.

Thinking in terms of opportunities and possibilities

When you look at new circumstances with a focus on opportunities rather than problems, a world of possibilities opens up. This requires a conscious choice to approach situations differently. For example, do you recognize the pattern of yourself (or others) with comments such as “Yes, but…” or “That doesn’t work here”? Try a different language such as “Yes, and…”, “How can I contribute?” or “Let’s try.”

An agile mindset helps you be flexible and creative in solving problems and energizes you. It doesn’t have to be perfect; Practice helps you move forward every time.

Look at yourself

In conflicts, we often look to the other person as the cause. Yet we also play a role in it. You can’t change the other person, but you always have a choice in how you respond. We often act from an automatic reaction, triggered by the behavior of the other person. When you become aware of those triggers, there is room to react differently – often more effectively, light-heartedly or even humorously.

What is your role?

Together, we can contribute to a great workplace where collaboration, motivation and growth are key. The great thing is that this starts with yourself. By setting an example and inspiring others, we can create a work environment where everyone feels at home and proudly contributes to the organization. Small steps taken by each of us can add up to a big change.

Stand up and be a leader

Change within an organization cannot come from management alone; Everyone can contribute. This requires personal leadership. That starts with taking responsibility and believing in your own influence. Many people tend to put the responsibility on their manager, thus keeping themselves small. But growth starts with the courage to take action yourself.

What is your motivation?

Ask yourself why you want to make a positive contribution to your work environment. Do you want to get away from an uncomfortable situation or are you striving for an attractive vision of the future? By becoming aware of what really motivates you, you can discover how to connect your role in the organization with your values.

What’s holding you back?

Sometimes we know what we want and why, but we find it difficult to take action. Patterns of obstructive thoughts such as “I can’t change anything” or “I’m not being listened to” hold us back. Examine these beliefs by asking yourself questions: Is it really true? What did this thought ever bring you, and does it still help you now? Often, you discover that it’s time for a new, more powerful belief such as “I matter and deserve to be heard.”

Calimero vs Power Calimero

Let me introduce you to Power Calimero, my symbol for an agile mindset and personal leadership, believes he has influence and can bring about change. He doesn’t let himself be kept small and looks at what he can contribute. Power Calimero reminds me to see possibilities, to take initiative, and to act.

Many people recognize victim behavior in others, but are less likely to see it in themselves. When we complain without taking action, we unconsciously relinquish control and exhibit Calimero behavior. Instead, you can choose: accept the situation as it is or take action to change it. Behave like Power Calimero: take responsibility, believe in your influence, and take steps towards your goal.

Become a Power Calimero

I invite you to become a Power Calimero. It takes courage, energy, and sometimes creativity, but it’s worth it. Don’t get stuck in problems, step out of your comfort zone a little every day, and discover what you can achieve.  By developing an agile mindset, you’ll be better able to embrace change, deal more strongly with work pressure, and contribute to a workplace where everyone feels good.

Do you want to know more about manoeuvrability? Then take a look at our book Expedition Agility and on the website amigos.nu/book, at working methods such as Power Calimero and An adventure in nature.

Author: Els Verkaik

Els is a change enthusiast and one of the amigos of amigo.nu

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