This paper looks at the responsibilities of an adaptive leader and discusses the effects of change.

Written in 2008; 3,729 words; 15 sources; APA; $ 103.95

In this article, the writer describes the considerations of an adaptive leader that are related to the management of change. The writer also evaluates how those factors impact followers in implementing change. The writer notes that while the changes occurring globally are perhaps exciting, those same changes are calling upon leadership and demanding new ways to deal with new and emerging challenges requiring innovation in leadership. The writer points out that traditional practices may no longer be successful and the historical leadership methods may not be sufficient for leading today's workers in the global workforce. Today's workforce is diverse characterized by differential learning levels and various experiential backgrounds. The writer concludes that the adaptive leader is one who is able to intuitively and with intent make decisions and solve problems while empowering those whom are being led.

Outline:
Introduction
Theoretical Framework of Study
Literature Review
Summary & Conclusion

"The Adaptive leadership has the responsibilities of setting the direction in times of change. Where the leader would in the technical or routine situation be responsible for defining problems and making the provision of solutions, the adaptive leader will instead, make identification of the adaptive challenge and frame the key questions and issues prior to seeking a solution. The leader is responsible in routine situations to shield the organization from threats that are external to the organization but in times of change, the adaptive leader will allow the organization to experience the pressures that are external to the organization but only to the extent that the employees can manage the pressure being experienced. The leader of an organization has the responsibility within the area of orientation of employees to their duties and responsibilities to clarify the employee's roles and responsibilities but in times of change the adaptive leader will need to challenge the current roles of employees and will be resistant to any pressures that wish for new roles to be defined quickly. In times when everything in the organization is ticking along as usual conflict management requires that the leader restore order to the organization and its systems however, during times of change the adaptive leader must let the conflict emerge, in order for it to be exposed, resolved and effectively purged. In times of routine organizational management the leader is required to assist in maintenance of the organization's norms to keep thing running smoothly however, during times of change it will be necessary for leadership to adapt and challenge the norms that work against productivity in the organization. Heifertz and Laurie relate that while those being led desire the organizational environment to be comfortable, stable and for their leaders to provide answers, effective leaders ask their employees the difficult questions and remove the employees from their zone of comfort and then the leader takes responsibility for managing the distress that ensues."

Tags: leadership, workforce, practices, responsibilities

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