Get on the Balcony
Get on the Balcony Gaining perspective in the midst of action is the first step in leadership. Breathe, go outside, take a walk, host a retreat. Whatever it takes, even for a minute, to reflect before diving back into the action.
Distinguish between Technical and Adaptive Problems
Distinguish between Technical and Adaptive Problems Technical problems come with known solutions that are amenable to subject matter expertise. With adaptive problems, the solution is unknown and requires learning. Avoid the most common leadership mistake - putting a technical fix on an adaptive problem - and you can save time and resources.
Exercising Leadership vs Authority
Exercising Leadership vs Authority Exercising authority tends to maintain the status quo and prevent change. Exercising leadership on the other hand requires "disrupting your own people at a tolerable pace" on behalf of your purpose. What's something you care enough about to take the risk of exercising leadership?
Courageous Conversations
Courageous Conversations Challenging the status quo requires that you surface conflict while - at the same time - maintaining relationship with the very people who are impeding progress. Often though, the first courageous conversation needed is the one with yourself.
Thinking Politically
Thinking Politically Having a compelling vision and value proposition often isn't sufficient to tackle adaptive challenges. Leadership isn't just a sales job. Take into consideration people's values, loyalties and losses at risk and you'll increase the likelihood of success.

How adaptive you are?

Five Key Concepts of Adaptive Leadership

How adaptive you are?

Adaptive Leadership is a framework and set of tools and techniques for leading change during times of transition, uncertainty and possibility. It was developed over 40+ years at Harvard by Drs. Ron Heifetz and Marty Linsky - and further refined and expanded by Alexander Grashow and Eric Martin.

Certification in Adaptive LeadershipTM 

Certified Adaptive Leadership trainers, facilitators and coaches help people worldwide to leverage the leadership moments within their teams, organizations and communities on the most pressing adaptive challenges of our times.  Take the next step on your leadership journey and join the movement to democratize leadership.

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As developed at Harvard and further refined by the framework's key architects, Adaptive Leadership involves five core concepts and 12 advanced practices.