Adaptive Leadership

Leading under pressure (Prof. Deasy, INSEAD)

Leadership in contexts where vulnerability and threat are ever present is a challenge for all involved. It is imperative that leaders in these contexts are as connected with their own senses of limitation as with their views of possibility. Common theories of stress management and wellness at work often focus on the individual as the one responsible for wellness with many urging the leaders to control their emotions and manage their stress themselves, quietly and away from colleagues. At the mildest end of the spectrum this approach is unsustainable.  For the stressed individual it can generate issues of shame, powerlessness and disconnection – all ingredients for a vicious downward spiral. At one level it is interesting to explore why we invest in this type of approach when dealing with the issue of difficult emotions at work. This presentation will propose a more sustainable system of leadership that fosters professional and personal growth. From a systems psychodynamic perspective I will argue that organisations that embrace emotions as a source of organisational data and foster leadership spaces interested in the meaning of expression at work provide opportunities for growth at all levels of the organisation. I will also focus on the role of social defences that hinder growth in these contexts and propose an adaptive approach to effective leadership in challenging contexts.

Developing and adapting you Leadership Style (Prof. Locke, London School of Economics)

During this session, participants will learn the difference between leadership and management and will be introduced to the concept of leadership adaptability. They will learn about different leadership styles and how these styles are suitable for different situations. We will engage in an exercise where groups are given different scenarios and must determine the best leadership style to use in that scenario. The session concludes with some tips for developing leadership style and being a more effective leader.