You’ll always hear me telling clients to prepare. Prepare for unexpected expenses, for systems failures, for security breaches, and for changes in personnel. But no matter how much you prepare in life and business, mistakes will be made and surprises will come out of nowhere.

My own lesson in being flexible.

About 2 months ago, a friend of mine invited me to join her on an organized bike ride in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. I signed up online for the 50K (31 mi.) route and a few days later, my official wristband arrived in the mail. I marked my calendar and set the wristband aside, vowing to put my all into training for the race, which involved beautiful – but challenging – rolling hills.
Despite my best intentions to train, life got in the way. Between clients, family, and my demanding but lovable dog, I barely trained at all. I considered backing out, but decided to keep my commitment to the race and my friend. When the big day finally arrived, I drove to my friend’s house with the bike in tow, ready for the hour drive to the starting line. The moment I walked into her house, I realized I had left my wristband home. So I quickly drove home to grab the wristband, undeterred by the inconvenience. It was, after all, minor in the big scheme of things.

About halfway to Lancaster, my friend realized that she was wearing her sandals and had forgotten to bring her socks and sneakers! With this new problem (she could not, after all, ride over 30 miles in sandals), I immediately suggested we find a big box store and simply buy new socks and sneakers. Within a few minutes we found a store, made a quick purchase and were back on the road. Another problem solved!

Arriving in Lancaster with the sun peeking through the clouds, the excitement of the other bikers was contagious. We unloaded our bikes and headed to the starting area. But all of a sudden, my enthusiasm was derailed as my rear brake refused to release. My bike was paralyzed! Yet another issue – this one the most pressing by far – had arisen.

Thankfully another biker guided us to a local bike shop, where the staff was more than accommodating. They replaced the entire brake
cable and set up the bike so I could start the ride. Third problem solved!

Guess what? I completed the ride – the entire 31 miles! I sometimes rode with my friend, but at other times I was on my own. At all times, I enjoyed the scenery of Lancaster County – the horses, cows, sheep, rows of corn, tobacco fields, flowers of all colors, charming
farms, and one-room school houses. It was beautiful.

The value of flexibility

If I had been inflexible in my approach to the day, every obstacle we encountered could’ve ruined our experience and polluted our outcome. I didn’t train well, but decided to go with it anyway. I forgot my wristband, but simply shrugged it off and ran home to get it. No sneakers? No problem. Even faulty brakes couldn’t stop us from getting to the finish line.

By being adaptable and having a solutions-based attitude, we not only solved every single problem, but enjoyed the process. Of
course, setbacks will be part of any problem. But always remember your team. By combining your experience,
knowledge and creative thinking, you’ll find a solution. In fact, you may find multiple solutions and have to decide which one is best! But don’t forget that as the leader in your business, it’s your job to set the tone for how unexpected problems will be solved. You can solve them with frustration and anger, or you can solve them with clear, level-headed thinking. If you choose the latter, you have a double win. You have a solved problem and a stronger company culture.

Are you ready and willing to remain flexible?