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How would you define flexibility?

PrepLounge: Personal Fit
New answer on Jan 16, 2024
24 Answers
2.4 k Views
Anonymous A asked on Oct 06, 2019

How would you answer this question in your Personal Fit interview? Receive feedback on your answer and browse through the Q&As to review the approaches of other applicants and experts.

Overview of answers

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Varna replied on Jan 16, 2024

Flexibility to me is the ability to adapt to a situation, learn continuously, and then re-adjusting your strategic response. 

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Anonymous H replied on Jan 04, 2024

Das man nicht in festen Mustern und engen Rahmen denkt sondern sich darauf verlässt, Situationen/Konflikte mit dem Spektrum der eigenen Fähigkeiten adaptiv zu lösen. 

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Joe replied on Jul 12, 2020

This question reminds me of a quote by the late Bruce Lee: "the stiffest tree is most easily cracked, while the bamboo or willow survives by bending with the wind."

Flexibility is a question of adaptability. Bamboo may not look as impressive as the thick oak tree, yet it can withstand the harsh extremes of cold and hot. Most notably, it remains firmly rooted in the ground as it sways gently in the wind.

More generally, I believe that in both your professional and personal life, one should choose your battles wisely. Compromise when it doesn’t go against your core beliefs. If there is a lot of pressure, pause in order to not break. Whether it seems like a breeze or a storm, flow with situations as they change. Constantly assess new information as it comes in. Stay grounded in your values while understanding that flexibility is a sign of strength.

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Clara
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Sep 30, 2020
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hello!

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Anonymous E on Oct 26, 2022

Is this a type of question that could be answered with the STAR framework?

Anonymous G replied on Mar 18, 2023

the ability to adapt to changes in a very short time

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Nadeen replied on Feb 27, 2023

the ability to work on or juggle different topics with no or very less constraints 

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Janita replied on Feb 18, 2023

Flexibility is the willingness and ability to positively respond to change. I would add, that a key component in professional flexibility is the ability to do this without breaking.

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Martina replied on Mar 29, 2022

ability to adjust to changing circumstances

 

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Gaurav
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Jan 22, 2021
Ex-Mckinsey|Certified Career Coach |Placed 500+ candidates at MBB & other consultancies

To me, flexibility is about being able to see situations from a different perspective and knowing when to let go off something and how.

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Antonello
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Dec 26, 2019
McKinsey | NASA | top 10 FT MBA professor for consulting interviews | 6+ years of coaching

Capability to handle different types of engagements, people, geographies, managers, industries.

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zeina replied on Nov 21, 2023

I would define flexibility as the ability for a person to have additional freedom in the way of working, and taking ownership to complete tasks efficiently. 

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Anonymous F replied on Nov 07, 2022

When I am flexible, I am not predetermined, but open to anything or different suggestions. Depending on the context, this can mean ideas, focus of energy, flexibility regarding location or time… 

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Anonymous replied on Oct 30, 2022

1) To take on projects even when you do not know much the industry and make efforts to learn fast and perform well. 

2) To be ready to change roles during teamwork if the current assignment of responsibilities does not work well. 

3) To be ready to motivate others or ask for help when you are stuck, to prioritise finishing on time over impressing with own performance . 

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Yasmina Saikaly replied on Jun 04, 2022

Ability to change in a particular situation

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Dee replied on Apr 05, 2022

it is the ability to be agile whiles still gaining freedom of your outputs

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Anonymous D replied on Nov 11, 2021

being able to adapt to different situations quickly

 

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Maria replied on Nov 08, 2021

resilience 

 

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Kathy replied on Nov 04, 2021

Flexibility means that you can adjust your schedule and plan according to changes and make the goal realized

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Anonymous C replied on Oct 26, 2021

Flexibility refers to being able to perform in a variety of environments and being able to change based on situations.

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Wumi replied on Sep 25, 2021

Ability to do adapt or fit into any environment.

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Andrei replied on Aug 28, 2021

flexebility is the ability to thrive in stress and uncertainty. be resilient to any abrupt changes and accept them as they go without panic

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Karim replied on Jan 11, 2021
Chemical Engineer seeking entry into Management Consulting

Being able to adapt to a variety of situations involving a variety of people

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Anonymous replied on Apr 29, 2020

Hi A,


In my opinion, it is an ability to manage expectations combined with an ability of being flexible on the content and timeline in order to accommodate demands and request from others.


Best,

André

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Anonymous B replied on Apr 17, 2020

.

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