Peter Sheahan's book, Fl!p, he makes one thing clear: the only constant is change. Accordingly, he says, leaders have to be swift, decisive, and equipped to deal with ever-changing'and uncertain'business landscapes. Here's how to become an adaptative leader.

FOUR FORCES THAT ARE CHANGING THE WAY WE LIVE:

• Need for speed — We do things faster, and we want everything done faster. 
• Complexity everywhere — When we do business, complications such as government, regimes, cultural rules, etc., arise. We also have more choice in what we do, and what we want. Customers expect emotional fulfillment with their product, not just the product itself.
• Accountability and transparency — People want to know everything about your business. If there's something they don't like, they'll walk away. As a result, we have to be accountable through and through. 
• We want more — A business needs to be fast, good, and cheap, but it also has to be unique in its offerings. 

 
WAYS TO KEEP UP WITH THESE DEMANDS:

• Action creates clarity — Planning and strategy are important, but we can't be overloaded with ideas. At some point, we have to stop planning and start acting. 
• Be fast, good, and cheap — You have to have them all at once.
• Have something extra — Now, consumers don't only buy what they need ' they buy what they need and want. So, in order to compete, businesses need to be fast, good, cheap and unique. 
• Make business personal — China or India manufacture high-quality products efficiently. But people want that personal touch. This also increases the value of a local market. 
• Find new market space — Leaders must look beyond products that already exist in the market. What are people on the fringe doing? What are they involved in?
• Have to give up control to get control — Instead of trying to manage people, make them manage for you. For example, take digital piracy. Adobe turns a blind eye to its software piracy so that young designers get hooked on their products. Their products are then bought by major corporations, since most of the employees have some familiarity with the Adobe line and demand their employer use them.