The world-renowned evolutionary change framework.
Modernized by Zander Grashow to meet this new era of work.
“It is easy to lead in times of stability and simplicity.
These are not the times we live in.”
ZANDER GRASHOW
Co-Author of The Practice of Adaptive Leadership and “Leadership in a (Permanent) Crisis”
Scroll down to learn some of the key lessons of the framework.
The methodology, now known as Adaptive Leadership, emerged out of decades of research and experience by Ron Heifetz and Marty Linsky working with thousands of mid-career students on leadership and organizational change. It quickly became the most requested course at Harvard Kennedy School.
In 2009, Zander Grashow, together with Ron and Marty, co-authored The Practice of Adaptive Leadership, ushering in a new frontier in leadership development. Zander has spent his career bringing Adaptive Leadership out of academia into real-world application.
Zander founded Adaptive Leadership+ out of a deep commitment to ensuring the methodology reaches those who need it most. The current set of timely, applicable, invigorating tools and practices shared here is the culmination of decades of experience in bringing the framework to some of the world’s most well-known and pioneering organizations.
Adaptive Leadership has been used by over 450,000 people at over 3,800 organizations. Today, its tools and strategies have never been more relevant or critical.
THE HISTORY
What does Adaptive Leadership teach us about change?
LESSON #1:
ADAPTIVE CHANGE IS 50% DIAGNOSIS, 50% MOBILIZATION.
You can’t change what you don’t understand.
Half of the practice and skill of adaptation is diagnosis. When we get above the action to gain multiple interpretations of the situation and problem, we open up options and pathways.
LESSON #2:
ADAPTIVE CHANGE IS EVOLVING WITH CURATED DESIGN.
When we change, not everything changes.
What do we honor and carry forward?
What do we grow and invest in?
What do we hospice and let go of with grace?
LESSON #3:
LEADERSHIP IS MOVING PEOPLE OFF OF STATUS QUO TO A BETTER OUTCOME.
Great leaders are athletes in managing pace, narratives, and resistance to change.
The goal of adaptive change is not to take people beyond their comfort zone, but to expand it. When we move off of status quo, new value creation, wellness, and vibrancy is possible.
“We all know things need to change. Everyone knows. Luckily, the skills, practices and tools of adaptation can be learned, internalized, and celebrated.”
Zander Grashow,
Founder & CEO, Adaptive Leadership+
Co-Author, The Practice of Adaptive Leadership and “Leadership in a (Permanent) Crisis”
WE ARE ARTISTS & MECHANICS OF CHANGE.
YOU CAN BE ONE, TOO.
RECOMMENDED FOR YOUR NEXT NERDY BOOK CLUB.
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The Practice of Adaptive Leadership
Learn the theory behind the practice. The renowned guide to approaching leadership in a rapidly changing world. Published by Harvard Business Review.
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Leadership in a (Permanent) Crisis
The playbook for leading in times of ongoing complexity and uncertainty — our new normal. Published by Harvard Business Review.