Adaptive Leaders Building Collective Adaptive Capacity and Capabilities

Abstract

Adaptive leadership is a relational and systemic approach to leading that emphasises continuous capacity to sense, interpret and respond to evolving challenges within complex and uncertain environments. Adaptive leading goes beyond individual flexibility by fostering a dynamic interplay between leaders, followers and within organisational contexts. It provides an opportunity for enabling collective problem solving and resilience. Adaptive leaders do not merely adjust their own behaviours; they mobilise people to confront difficult realities; experiment with new ways of working; and co-create innovative responses. This approach of leadership is grounded in principles of reflection, collaboration and shared responsibility. It can cultivate an environment where both individuals and organisations can learn, develop and perform amid ongoing change [1, 2]. Adaptive leadership is an important capability given the reactions required to the changing actions and demands on health organisations and systems.....