Whole Foods CEO Jason Buechel stated that among the various types of people in the workplace, there is one type he dislikes the most. He expressed in an interview with CNBC’s “Make It” segment that it is those who believe they have all the answers to the problems.
“Some people think things must be done a certain way just because that’s how it’s been done before. They believe that things will always happen in a certain manner,” said Buechel.
He further emphasized that sticking to a certain way of doing things or not considering other people’s perspectives can severely hinder both personal and company growth.
Buechel warned employees that the biggest setback could be that they are not always the most adaptable. He admitted, “In the past, I may have been that kind of person sometimes. I learned the hard way and realized the necessity of being flexible, especially in today’s world where customer needs are constantly changing, leading to shifts in business dynamics.”
For instance, considering team dynamics where new hirings, departures, and promotions mean constant changes within the work team. A boss with strong adaptability can continuously adjust based on the new dynamics, while adaptable employees can proactively find new ways to contribute.
Or think about receiving constructive feedback positively. If you do not embrace criticism from your boss regarding your work, you may come across as inflexible and unable to accept feedback.
In many workplaces, adaptability is a valuable trait. Amazon CEO Andy Jassy mentioned that people can only achieve success by letting go of the know-it-all attitude. Jassy advised on the LinkedIn podcast “The Path” last month, “When you think you know everything, that’s when you start to slack off.”
Jassy recommended seizing new learning opportunities and maintaining curiosity at all times. He believed that this can help retain enthusiasm for your profession and hobbies, make you happier, and better equip you to handle the inevitable setbacks in your career.