Get the Results You Want from Others 

When you ask others for something that results in a tangible output, do you get what you need when you need it?

Often, the results can be less than you expected, or they can be late. The results may not be the fault of others; you may be the cause of these lacking results. Use four elements to improve your requests.

Get the Results You Want from Others

When you ask others for something that results in a tangible output, do you get what you need when you need it? Often, the results can be less than you expected, or they can be late. The results may not be the fault of others; you may be the cause of these lacking results. Use four elements to improve your requests.

1. What do you want, and what does success look like? Be detailed about your expectations and spell out precisely what constitutes a “good job.”
2. Who do you want it from? Choose a specific person. When you make a request to a team or a group of people, each person may assume someone else will do the work.
3. When do you need it done? Attach a timeline to your request that includes the final due date and any intermediate updates, check-ins, and drafts. Being specific will set clear expectations with your colleague, saving time and energy that you might otherwise spend checking your inbox and following up.
4. Why is it important? Be clear about what’s behind your ask. By contextualizing your request, you’ll improve the chances that it is understood and accepted and get the results you need when you need them.

This tip is adapted from “Mastering the Art of the Request” by Rae Ringel.
Harvard Business Review, August 4, 2023
https://hbr.org/2023/08/mastering-the-art-of-therequest?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_campaign=mtod_notactsubs

Do You Notice?

Life keeps us busy.  It is easy to rush from meeting to meeting, only to go home and rush to fulfill family obligations.  Amidst all this, do you notice?  Do you notice your co-worker has a new sweater?  Do you notice that a person in the meeting is pre-occupied?  Do you notice that an employee always brings in treats for the office?   

To notice is an attribute that contributes to your success.  Why?  From a person’s intention to another person’s attention—noticing is caring. And it’s all about seeing the unseen.  

Have you ever seen something being built?  At first, every day looks different: the land is cleared, a deep hole is dug, walls appear, and a roof covers the structure.  But then, it all stops even though workers are there.  The inside wiring, plumbing, and heating happen behind the walls, and you don’t notice.  It is this unseen work that makes the structure usable. 

In the same way, we are all works in progress—and not everything that happens may be visible. But just because it’s not immediately noticeable, doesn’t mean it’s not notable. We all contribute to an organization’s structure. And success is only through the sum of our strengths, which overcome our individual weaknesses.  

Albert Einstein famously wrote on his chalkboard—a favorite quote he had taken to heart: “Not everything that counts can be counted, and not everything that can be counted counts.” Or, as others have said, “What is unseen has just as much value as what is seen.”  

This quote relates to what we aspire to do every day. It’s up to all of us to A.C.T.—be Authentic, make a Connection, and give others a Taste of who we are … to enable the unseen to be seen. That’s what people notice—as the transactions become the relations.  It is a fact of life and leadership: When people are noticed, they know someone cares. And when they know someone cares, they feel valued. And when they feel valued, they will believe they are indeed part of something bigger than themselves. They will feel like they belong. 

 Inspired by an email from Korn Ferry, March 17, 2024. 

The obvious solution isn’t always the easiest. For example, one of the most effective ways to reduce classroom conflict is simply to keep all the students engaged. If conflict is a problem in your class, you might want to begin with strategies to keep everyone involved.

• Check-it out
• Conflict Stoppers
• Cool-down Strategies
• “I” Message
• Problem Solving – My Part
• Problem Solving – Our Part
• Talk-it Out
• Think-it Through

In today’s fast-changing world, adaptability is a critical skill for success in both education and the workplace. Organizations and individuals must continuously evolve, navigating technological advancements, shifting job markets, and global challenges. 

At Montgomery College, adaptability is embedded in our teaching, leadership, and professional development strategies. One of the most effective ways to cultivate adaptability is through experiential learning (EL), which allows employees and students to engage in real-world problem-solving and hands-on experiences. 

1. Why Adaptability Matters in Higher Education and the Workplace

Adaptability is more than just a soft skill—it’s an essential competency for long-term success. In higher education and professional settings, adaptability allows individuals to: 

• Navigate Uncertainty: Rapid changes in technology, student needs, and institutional priorities require flexibility. 

• Embrace Continuous Learning: Those who adapt quickly can apply new skills and knowledge to meet evolving demands. 

• Strengthen Problem-Solving Abilities: Facing new challenges fosters critical thinking and innovation. 

• Cultivate Resilience: The ability to bounce back from setbacks is essential for growth and success. 

💡 Reflection: How has adaptability played a role in your professional journey? How can you strengthen this skill to be more effective in your role? 

2. The Power of Experiential Learning in Developing Adaptability

Experiential learning (EL) is a hands-on approach that bridges the gap between theory and practice, making it an ideal method for fostering adaptability. Through EL, learners develop the ability to adjust to new environments, problem-solve in real-time, and apply critical thinking skills in diverse situations. 

Key Benefits of Experiential Learning for Adaptability: 

✅ Bridging Theory and Practice – Learners apply classroom knowledge to real-world challenges.
✅ Encouraging Reflection – Processing experiences through discussion or journaling reinforces learning and growth.
✅ Developing Problem-Solving Skills – Unpredictable, hands-on experiences train individuals to think on their feet.
✅ Enhancing Emotional Intelligence – EL fosters self-awareness, collaboration, and resilience. 

🔹 Example: A faculty member adjusting to new teaching methods in a hybrid classroom engages in EL by testing different instructional strategies, gathering student feedback, and refining their approach. 

3. Montgomery College’s Commitment to Experiential Learning

Montgomery College provides numerous experiential learning opportunities that empower students and employees to become more adaptable and workforce-ready. 

MC Programs That Promote Adaptability Through EL: 

📌 Macklin Business Institute (MBI)
💼 What It Is: A program where business students gain hands-on experience in finance, consulting, and management.
🎯 Adaptability Skill Gained: Navigating real-world business challenges in a controlled learning environment.
🌐 Learn More: MBI Program 

📌 DREEM Program (STEM Experiential Learning)
💡 What It Is: An 8-month learning initiative for electrical engineering students that includes research projects, industry workshops, and internships.
🎯 Adaptability Skill Gained: Adjusting to complex problem-solving scenarios in STEM fields.
🌐 Learn More: DREEM Program 

📌 Field Experience in Education
📖 What It Is: An opportunity for future educators to observe and implement best practices in classrooms.
🎯 Adaptability Skill Gained: Adapting teaching strategies based on diverse student needs.
🌐 Learn More: Field Experience 

💡 Reflection: How can you incorporate experiential learning into your role at MC—whether through hands-on projects, mentorship, or real-world applications? 

4. Leadership’s Role in Fostering Adaptability

Montgomery College leadership recognizes that adaptability is a key driver of innovation and student success. In his State of the College address, President Dr. Jermaine Williams emphasized: 

✔ Agility as a Learning Outcome – Preparing students and employees to quickly adjust to changing circumstances.
✔ Continuous Learning Culture – Encouraging lifelong learning and ongoing professional development.
✔ Curiosity & Experimentation – Supporting a mindset where taking risks and exploring new ideas is valued. 

💡 Reflection: As an employee, how can you model adaptability and encourage a growth mindset within your department? 

5. Actionable Steps to Strengthen Adaptability Through Experiential Learning

Want to build your own adaptability skills or help students develop this competency? Here are some ways to integrate experiential learning into your work at MC: 

For Faculty and Staff: 

📌 Incorporate Real-World Projects – Design case studies, simulations, or role-playing exercises that mimic real-life challenges.
📌 Encourage Reflection & Feedback – After workshops, trainings, or meetings, ask: “What worked? What can be improved?”
📌 Promote Cross-Disciplinary Learning – Collaborate with other departments to broaden perspectives and problem-solving skills. 

For Students: 

📌 Engage in Internship Opportunities – Encourage students to gain real-world experience through internships or apprenticeships.
📌 Support Active Learning in the Classroom – Use project-based learning, group challenges, and case studies to increase student adaptability.
📌 Foster a Growth Mindset – Remind students that mistakes are learning opportunities, not failures. 

💡 Reflection: Which of these strategies can you implement in your own work? 

Final Thoughts: The Future Belongs to the Adaptable 

Adaptability isn’t just about surviving change—it’s about thriving in it. By embracing experiential learning, faculty, staff, and students at Montgomery College can: 

✔ Develop resilience in the face of challenges.
✔ Enhance problem-solving and leadership skills.
✔ Stay competitive in an ever-changing workforce.