Adaptive Leadership occurs through a three-part process including observations, interpretations, and interventions.
First, leaders must observe the situation around them. What is happening? How do people relate to one another? What are key issues in the situation? What is the culture of the organization? Who are the people in power and how do they demonstrate such power?
Heifetz, Grashow, and Linksy use an interesting metaphor for the "observation" piece of Adaptive Leadership: They talk about "getting on the balcony" of a dance party and observe from that view point what is happening at the party. Who is dancing with whom? Who is standing by the sidelines? Only by taking the time to "stand on the balcony" may a Leader perceive the entire system.
- Second, leaders must interpret what they observe. This is a difficult task, as multiple interpretations of the same situation are possible. Indeed, leaders should formulate various possible hypotheses and ask themselves which are the most likely.
- Third, leaders must be ready to intervene. Interventions should help the system adapt to the environmental changes. At that point, leaders should be ready to "think out of the box" stepping outside of their comfort zones.
 Try This...
2.3.1 2.3a Application Exercise - Individual Adaptive Leadership Case |