There are two kinds of problems that we face in leadership and our organizations, and recognizing the difference determines our effectiveness in addressing the challenge.
First are technical problems, which while complicated, can be solved with existing knowledge and skills. Adaptive challenges, on the other hand, require new learning, creativity, and adjusted ways of operating.
A description from the work of Ronald Heifetz and Marty Linsky describe adaptive challenges “as swamp issues— tangled, complex problems composed of multiple systems that resist technical analysis and thus stand in contrast to the high, hard ground issues that are easier to address but where less is at stake for the organization or the society.”
Does this sound like the discontinuous change we are experiencing in all aspects of life right now?
As mentioned in last week’s post, we are in a time of discontinuous change. Effective response to discontinuous change demands adaptive leadership. Adaptive leadership is what allowed Lewis and Clark, in the analogy of Canoeing the Mountains, to adapt to the new obstacles yet still succeed. Adaptive leadership is what is needed today.
The problems we are facing today are anything but straightforward and cannot be solved with what we already know. However, many of us are attempting to deal with them using our existing knowledge and skills. It is not working is it?
The problems we are facing, whether it is our response to the COVID-19 pandemic, racial injustice, social unrest, political division, or economic turmoil, require different thinking and different leadership. Our organizations are facing an unknown future, much like Lewis and Clark looking over the Rocky Mountains. We cannot only use what we know and what we know to do to launch us into the next phase. We must tap into adaptive leadership.
Adaptive leaders are open to learning, willing to experiment, and inclusive of diverse perspectives. They also need support and encouragement because the journey to address adaptive challenges is long and difficult.
Is your organization feeling the pain of the current environment and struggling to get traction with the tried and true skills of the past?
Are you, as a leader, recognizing something needs to change, but are not able to name exactly what that change is?
Maybe it is time for some coaching or consulting? We are in an unprecedented time. We are in a time crying out for adaptive leadership. While I cannot tell you the solution to your challenge, I will walk with you and your organization through the process of engaging adaptive strategies. I believe the investment of time will strengthen your organization and prepare it for whatever is the next wave of uncertainty. Reach out if you would like to have a conversation about options.
KATHY PIERBURG 