The Importance of Adaptability

There is a BP gas station next door to our office. The convenience of it's proximity is great. Sometimes bringing a bag of M&Ms to a brainstorming session, or drinking a soda during an afternoon conference call can make the workday much more enjoyable. The owners know our staff and always greet us with a friendly smile.

Recently, the store had to replace their underground fuel tanks, which meant they couldn't sell any gasoline for almost 3 weeks. This had the potential to be a deadly blow to our friendly neighbors. A gas station without gas is a challenged business model, to say the least.

The construction began, and I started to notice some changes. A handmade sign went up near the street letting drivers know that the BP was still open for business. The owners began cooking homemade meals for breakfast and lunch, and they graciously asked us to post their "specials" in the break room at our office. Employees started heading to the BP for a new lunch destination, and people started talking in our hallways about how surprisingly good the food was. Though the gas pumps were dry, the store was bustling with customers and I started to think maybe the little store would make it after all.

This morning I stopped in for a snack and noticed that the construction was nearly complete. When I asked the cashier how much longer, he told me it would be finished this week. He was beaming with pride, relieved that his family had pulled together and weathered this tough time.

Most businesses have seen their share of tough times in the past year or so. Some sit on their hands and wait for the storm to blow over. Others embrace the new business climate, and adapt their business model accordingly. It's important to work hard, think smart and remain positive. But more than anything, it's important to be adaptable. How are you changing your approach to ensure your company's continued success?