In this episode of Work That Matters by WorqIQ, Andy Molinsky joins us to talk about seamlessly navigating unfamiliar situations in the workplace, and in life…
Ambiguity is no stranger to the workplace.
In a time where disruption is increasingly more common—start-ups competing with legacy companies and technological advancements changing the workplace landscape, for example—there is no shortage of unfamiliar situations to test leaders and employees alike. It’s no longer enough to have a great product or service. If companies and its employees at any level are ill-equipped to navigate today’s ambiguous, rapidly changing business realities, they will struggle to remain relevant. For people, there is another level of concern: developing the skills to adeptly respond to new situations.
Today’s career playbook has added and revised chapters. With the aforementioned technology advancements, employers are seeking more soft-edge skills: collaboration, emotional and workplace intelligence, and navigating conflict, for example. It’s not that these skills are new expectations. But their importance has moved to the top of the list because how we are working is changing. Consequently, companies are seeking talent who can more gracefully integrate their professional disciplines with soft-edge skills.
For employees and job seekers to stand out, they absolutely need to learn how to step outside their comfort zones.
In today’s episode of Work That Matters by WorqIQ, this is what we explore.
About This Week’s Episode
Andy Molinsky is a professor of psychology and organizational behavior at Brandeis University’s International Business School. His work is widely published in reputable media outlets such as Harvard Business Review, The New York Times, Fast Company, and has been featured on NPR. His latest book is Reach: A New Strategy to Help You Step Outside Your Comfort Zone, Rise to the Challenge, and Build Confidence.
Molinsky reveals some invaluable ways to help boost your repertoire of skills and success, including navigating unfamiliar situations and extending our comfort zones. The five core psychological barriers people face when stepping outside their comfort zones is particularly important to understand. We specifically talk with Andy about the authenticity challenge and the morality challenge. This is fascinating stuff!
If you struggle with avoiding doing something you want or need to do, be sure to listen to Andy’s insights about why this happens.
Throughout our conversation, you’ll also hear tips to help you navigate ambiguity and ways to help behavior change stick.
Today’s top performers may be reluctant to step up and rise to new challenges. But they find a way to lean on their talents and move forward. Indeed, this has always been a winning strategy. It’s merely evolved to be more important for all of us and not just something the daring do.
Important Links
As you’re thinking about navigating unfamiliar situations, be sure to check out these links mentioned in today’s podcast episode:
- Andy’s Website
- Check out Andy’s Culture Quiz to learn how well you distinguish cross-cultural differences
- Tip sheet: 10 Powerful Questions to Help You Step Outside Your Comfort Zone
- Follow Andy on Twitter: @AndyMolinsky