This archive report was first published on 25 June 2020.
As the world grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for effective leadership has never been more pressing. In a recent webinar hosted by KCA University's Institute for Capacity Development, Mike Eldon spoke on the topic of 'Practical leadership approaches during uncertain times.'
Eldon drew on the concepts of adaptive leadership, developed by Ron Heifetz, a professor at Harvard's Kennedy School. Heifetz's ideas resonated with Eldon, who had introduced them to leaders in the World Bank's leadership workshops in Nigeria several years ago.
Adaptive leadership is characterized by the ability to rise above immediate operational urgencies, or 'get on the balcony,' as Heifetz puts it. This allows leaders to see the bigger picture, learn from history, and look forward to the future. Eldon emphasized the importance of being introspective and looking inward to understand one's own strengths and weaknesses.
Another key aspect of adaptive leadership is knowing how to keep people in the 'productive zone.' This means warming them up from a state of complacency and denial, but also preventing them from overheating and becoming overwhelmed by fear and panic. Eldon noted that many leaders struggle to balance technical and non-technical aspects of their work, and that adaptive leaders must be able to separate these challenges and deal with both effectively.
Finally, Eldon discussed the importance of empowering teams and giving them the work to do. This requires trust in the team's capabilities and a willingness to delegate and develop their skills. As Eldon pointed out, organizations that have built trust with their teams are better equipped to navigate the challenges of the pandemic and will emerge stronger on the other side.
As Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella noted in a recent issue of Time, the pandemic has accelerated digital transformation, and organizations that are able to adapt and innovate will be best positioned for success.
Eldon ended his talk by offering an alternative perspective on the challenges of the pandemic, using the acronym VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous) and replacing each letter with a more positive word: Visualize, Understand, Communicate, and Adapt. This approach views life as a collection of opportunities for learning and growth, rather than just challenges to be overcome.
