How to be… Superadaptable

Summary

Introduction: In today’s fast-paced world, the ability to adapt is more vital than ever. I am delighted to welcome back Dr. Max McKeown, an expert in innovation strategy and author of the groundbreaking book "Super Adaptability: How to Transcend in an Age of Overwhelm." Join us as we delve into the profound insights from this illuminating conversation, exploring how we can harness the power of conscious adaptation to thrive amidst chaos.

 

1. The Concept of Successful Adaptation

Dr. McKeown emphasizes that "all success is successful adaptation." He draws parallels between the existence of a rock and the survival of organizations and individuals, stating that just like a rock, our continued existence hinges on our ability to adapt to our environment. He explains that happiness and success are not static; they require ongoing adjustments and responses to changing circumstances.

 

2. The Genesis of "Super Adaptability"

The inspiration for this book stems from Dr. McKeown’s extensive research and observations over the years. He realized that understanding and enhancing our adaptability is crucial for thriving in today’s world. This realization led him to develop a model that can be applied to various aspects of life, from personal happiness to professional success.

 

3. The RUN Loop: Recognize, Understand, Necessary Action

A core concept in Dr. McKeown’s book is the RUN loop, which consists of three steps: recognize, understand, and take necessary action. This model is designed to help individuals identify patterns in their lives that may be hindering their success. Dr. McKeown explains that by recognizing the loops we find ourselves in, we can better understand the underlying causes and take appropriate actions to influence positive change.

For example, if someone feels overwhelmed at work, they can use the RUN loop to identify the source of their stress, understand why it’s affecting them, and then determine actionable steps to alleviate that pressure. This approach empowers individuals to regain control over their lives, rather than being run by external circumstances.

 

4. Real-Life Applications and Case Studies

Throughout the podcast, Dr. McKeown shares various case studies showcasing how individuals and organizations have successfully implemented the RUN loop to overcome challenges. For instance, he highlights how many people fall into maladaptive behaviors like "doom scrolling" or "quiet quitting" in response to overwhelming situations. By applying the RUN loop, they can shift their mindset and take constructive actions instead of succumbing to stress.

 

5. The Importance of Continuous Learning

Dr. McKeown also stresses that the journey of adaptation is ongoing. He encourages listeners to embrace the idea of continuous learning and to be open to revisiting the RUN loop as their circumstances evolve. The more we practice recognizing, understanding, and taking action, the better equipped we become to handle future challenges.

Tags: Adaptability, Personal Development, Innovation, Leadership, Mental Health, Strategy, Self-Improvement, Dr. Max McKeown, Podcast Insights

 

Dr. Max McKeown (born in London) is an English writer, consultant, and researcher specialising in innovation strategy, leadership and culture. He has written six influential books and conducts research with Warwick Business School. He is a fellow of the RSA. He served on the advisory board for the Rollins Center for eBusiness. He earned his master's degree in Business Administration and PhD from the Warwick Business School 

 

Takeaways

In this enlightening discussion, Dr. Max McKeown provides valuable insights into the nature of adaptability and the importance of conscious awareness in navigating life’s challenges. Key takeaways include:

- Adaptation is essential for success and happiness.

- The RUN loop (Recognize, Understand, Necessary Action) is a powerful model for fostering adaptability.

- Continuous learning and self-awareness are crucial for thriving in an age of overwhelm.

 

Chapters

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:02:22 - Inside the Book: Why Super-Adaptability Matters for Leaders

00:03:10 - The Origin Story: How the Idea for Super-Adaptability Began

00:05:12 - The RUN Model Explained: Recognise, Understand, Act

00:08:25 - Applying the RUN Loop: How Max Uses It in Real Life

00:12:28 - Real-World Results: How People Use the Adaptability Framework

00:23:44 - Fixing Failure Loops: Why Strategy Needs Adjustment, Not Abandonment

00:27:33 - Talent vs Adaptability: What Makes High Performers Exceptional?