Guide: Adaptive Leadership in PMI-ACP Agile Leadership

What is Adaptive Leadership?
Adaptive Leadership is a management framework developed by Dr. Ronald Heifetz and Marty Linsky at Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government. The model suggests that in order to effectively lead, one must be able to adapt and optimize processes and approaches based on the ever-changing circumstances and challenges. It is about evolving, growing and encouraging the same within the team.

Why is Adaptive Leadership Important?
In environments marked by rapid change and complexity, such as Agile projects, Adaptive Leadership is crucial. It allows the leadership to swiftly pivot to new strategies and keep the team aligned with the updated objectives. A leader with adaptive capacities can improvise and change directions quickly without losing sight of the overarching mission.

How does Adaptive Leadership work?
Adaptive Leadership encourages open communication, promotes creativity and innovation, and embraces changes. Key activities include stimulating people to step out of their comfort zones, challenging the status quo and fostering an environment of shared responsibility.

Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Adaptive Leadership
1. Understand the Principles: Familiarise yourself with the principles of Adaptive Leadership – diagnosing the system, regulating distress, maintaining disciplined attention, giving the work back to people, and protecting voices of leadership from below.
2. Contextual Questions: Look for cues in questions that indicate the need for an adaptive approach, such as changes in project direction, team misalignment or complex issues.
3. Think Adaptive: In answers, highlight the adaptive facets – embracing change, innovation, communication, shared responsibility.

Remember, Adaptive Leadership isn’t giving orders, rather it's facilitating the team to find their path and make the necessary adjustments.