Adaptive Leadership
At its core, adaptive leadership is about mobilizing people to address challenges in a way that fosters growth and transformation.
Understanding Adaptive Leadership
Have you ever got into a dilemma in parenting, that you have tried every bit to solve the problem but in vain, spending tremendous amount of effort but the problem existed and no one appreciate your dedication? I am confident to tell you that you are not alone and this is not happening only in a family.
Adaptive leadership, developed by Ronald Heifetz and Marty Linsky at Harvard University, is a concept that originated in the fields of business and organizational management. It emphasizes to address the core difficult challenges and to promote emotional intelligence, organizational justice, and a culture of continuous learning, enabling teams to adapt effectively to change and innovate in response to evolving circumstances. Thanks to the structured theories and hands-on tools, parents can systematically learn to cultivate resilience and adaptability in the family.
Quote from Ronald: no easy answer
Ronald Heifetz (20xx)
B.E.S.T. of the best
Get on the Balcony
The metaphor of "getting on the balcony" encourages leaders to step back and gain a broader perspective. For parents, this might mean pausing to observe family dynamics without immediately reacting. It’s about identifying patterns, understanding underlying issues, and considering the long-term impact of decisions.
Embrace Experimentation
Adaptive challenges often require trial and error. Leaders—and parents—need to create an environment where it’s safe to make mistakes and learn from them. We don’t know the solution from scratch, and the fact is, nobody does. Whether it’s figuring out a bedtime routine or navigating screen time boundaries, flexibility and learning are essential.
Step Back and get people involved
One of the most profound principles of adaptive leadership is empowering others to take responsibility. Instead of solving every problem, adaptive leaders encourage others to engage, experiment, and find solutions. For parents, this means resisting the urge to micromanage and allowing children to develop problem-solving skills.
Manage the temperature
Adaptive leadership recognizes that change often generates discomfort. Effective leaders create a balance—introducing enough stress to encourage growth but not so much that it becomes overwhelming. In parenting, it is the same important to allow children to face every distress and challenges that they need in growth, and to set up a safety net that children can fall back on.
Applying Adaptive Leadership into parenting
What does an adaptive parenting look like?