According to an Avenue M poll, some are charging ahead while others are moving much more slowly.

As organizations continue to navigate a disruptive and uncertain environment, the ability to adapt is becoming more critical than ever. Shifting member expectations, rapid advances in technology, and evolving workforce dynamics demand that organizations remain flexible, responsive, and open to change.

So, are they?

A recent Avenue M quick poll of 49 leaders from a variety of industries and organizations found that while many organizations are making strides toward adaptability, the journey is far from over.

Adaptive—At Different Speeds

Forty-nine percent of respondents described their organizations as highly adaptive, pointing to cultures that embrace experimentation and learning. One association executive noted a “not-afraid-to-fail culture” and said their team looks for ways to “respond with some element of evolution in every program.”

Another leader credited their entrepreneurial teams and a “culture of experimentation” encouraged by leadership. One executive pointed to a working model: “Experiment, Learn, Adapt.”

Still, not everyone is operating at that level. About 43 percent said their organizations are somewhat adaptive, making changes slowly and steadily. Association leaders pointed to structured approaches—like using the RACI model (Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, Informed) or governance restructuring—that are helping them move forward.

One executive shared, “We’re facing dramatic changes since the start of the year. Our members are starting to mobilize, and we need to leverage their energy to help the association be more responsive.”

A smaller share—8 percent—reports that their organizations are not adaptive and remain resistant to change. One leader said, “I would love to see us integrate Foresight,” acknowledging a need for staying ahead of the game.

Strong Mission, Agile Future

What’s clear from the poll is that adaptability is not just about changing programs: It’s about changing mindsets. Highly adaptive organizations foster a culture of curiosity, encourage experimentation (without fear of failure), and create room for change.

However, adaptability doesn’t mean following every trend. Instead, it means staying rooted in the organization’s mission while evolving how that mission is delivered. The most successful organizations are ones that balance consistency of purpose with flexibility in approach.

For organizations that are not yet adaptive, the poll findings offer a roadmap: Start small, listen closely, empower teams, and create structures that support—not stifle—change.

In today’s environment, adaptability isn’t a buzzword—it’s a necessity. And the organizations willing to make it a daily practice are the ones that are ready to move to the next level.

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For more insights on becoming a more adaptive organization, read Avenue M’s quick summaries of the following resources, and click the links below.

How Adaptive Leaders Build Resilient Organizations

In today’s unpredictable world, resilience is what sets successful organizations apart. The companies that adapted fastest during the 2020 supply chain crisis had flexible teams, decentralized decision-making, and backup plans in place. Like ecosystems in nature, businesses that build in redundancy, share decision-making power, and keep evolving are better equipped to handle whatever comes next.

Resilience isn’t about avoiding change—it’s about adjusting to it. Leaders who encourage constant learning, smart risk-taking, and long-term thinking create teams that can thrive in uncertainty. In a world where disruption is the norm, adaptability is the real competitive edge.

Harnessing Psychology in Advanced Strategic Management

Leading effectively amid constant change means being flexible, responsive, and open to new ways of thinking. Adaptive leadership helps tackle complex challenges by encouraging learning and shifts in mindset, not just quick fixes. When combined with situational leadership and complexity thinking, it helps leaders adjust to different team needs and foster innovation from all levels of the organization.

Great adaptive leaders balance big-picture goals with short-term actions, stay open to feedback, and empower their teams to make decisions. They create a culture where change is seen as a chance to grow, not something to fear. In today’s fast-moving world, it’s not just about keeping up—it’s about staying ready to pivot, evolve, and lead through whatever comes next.

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Contributors: Sheri Jacobs, FASAE, CAE & Lisa Boylan
Image: Adobe Stock