Use these questions or activities to help gauge students’ familiarity with and spark their interest in the context of the work, giving them an entry point into the text itself.

Short Answer

How would you describe adaptability? Do you think adaptability is valuable in the workplace or in relationships outside the workplace? Are there times when adaptability can be a problem? Why do you think employers often ask questions regarding adaptability in interviews? What kinds of things have you had to adapt to in recent years?

Teaching Suggestion: In the book, the author describes characters who refuse to change and the consequences of refusing to change. It might be beneficial to begin the discussion with the role of adaptability in the workplace and in relationships generally, and then ask how adaptability as a trait is helpful in other areas (education, coping with unexpected events, etc.).

• This 7-minute TED talk describes three ways to measure adaptability.
• This article explains the importance of adaptability in the workplace and why it is valued in companies.

Short Activity

Consider the questions below based on personal experience or on your own adaptability. How would you respond in the given situations? How might you convince someone to change their mind if they chose to implement the policies below?