Why Adaptive Leadership Matters in Times of Change
· by Navin Kumar, MBA, MIEAustChange is no longer occasional. It is constant. Leaders who rely solely on technical expertise or outdated strategies often find themselves unprepared for the daily complexities that shift. Adaptive leadership, as described by Ronald Heifetz, is the skill set that equips leaders to navigate uncertainty, mobilise people, and turn disruption into progress.
What Adaptive Leadership Means
Heifetz, academician and thought leader in the practice and teaching of leadership defines adaptive leadership as the ability to help organisations face challenges that do not have clear solutions. Unlike technical problems, which can be solved with expertise or existing knowledge, adaptive challenges require learning, experimentation, and collaboration to be addressed effectively. These challenges demand leaders who are comfortable guiding others through ambiguity.
Leading Through Uncertainty
In times of change, leaders often feel pressure to provide quick answers. Yet adaptive leadership recognises that the role of the leader is not to have all the answers, but to create the conditions where the right questions can be asked. This involves:
- Distinguishing technical issues from adaptive ones.
- Encouraging diverse voices and perspectives.
- Creating space for experimentation, even when failure is possible.
- Building resilience by helping people adapt, not just comply.
The Human Side of Change
Adaptive leadership is as much about emotion as it is about strategy. Change unsettles people, often triggering resistance. Leaders who practice adaptive leadership acknowledge the discomfort of uncertainty while also inspiring hope and shared purpose. They balance empathy with accountability, helping teams find meaning in change rather than fear.
Building a Culture of Adaptability
Adaptive leadership is not a skill for one individual. It becomes a culture when leaders at every level embrace reflection, learning, and agility. Journaling and other reflective practices provide leaders with the self-awareness needed to recognise their own biases and adapt their approaches. Over time, this cultivates organisations that thrive in shifting environments.
Closing Thought
In a world defined by change, adaptive leadership is not optional. It is the discipline that transforms uncertainty into opportunity.
Change is constant. Growth is a choice. Follow Within Pages™ for more reflections on leading through complexity, or visit www.withinpagesjournal.com to explore how reflection strengthens adaptability in leadership.
About the Author
Navin Kumar holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Strathclyde and is a Member of Engineers Australia (MIEAust). With over 18 years of leadership experience across the global automotive and technology industries, he currently serves as Global Head of Quality Assurance at a leading technology firm in Australia. As co-founder of Within Pages™, Navin combines technical precision and operational efficiency with a passion for shaping leadership practices that create lasting impact.
