Introduction

In today's interconnected and unpredictable world, leaders are constantly confronted with complex challenges that defy simple solutions. Traditional leadership approaches, designed for stable environments, often prove inadequate when faced with dynamic systems, emergent issues, and rapid change. This comprehensive training course is meticulously designed to equip current and aspiring leaders with the essential frameworks and practical skills to practice adaptive leadership, enabling them to thrive amidst complexity and drive meaningful progress in the face of the unknown.

This 5-day intensive program will empower participants to cultivate a deep understanding of complex adaptive systems, master diagnostic tools for adaptive challenges, and develop robust strategies for mobilizing individuals and organizations to confront difficult realities. You will learn to distinguish between technical problems and adaptive challenges, foster a culture of experimentation, and lead with resilience and empathy. By mastering these critical competencies, you will enhance your capacity to navigate ambiguity, inspire collective learning, and drive sustainable solutions in any complex environment.

Duration: 5 Days

Target Audience

• Senior Leaders and Executives
• Managers and Team Leaders
• Change Management Professionals
• Organizational Development Specialists
• Consultants
• Project and Program Managers
• Public Sector Leaders
• Non-Profit Leaders
• Aspiring Leaders
• Anyone operating in complex or rapidly changing environments

Objectives

• Understand the core concepts of adaptive leadership and complex adaptive systems.
• Learn to distinguish between technical problems and adaptive challenges.
• Develop diagnostic skills for identifying the root causes of complex issues.
• Master strategies for mobilizing individuals and teams to do adaptive work.
• Cultivate effective communication and influence in ambiguous situations.
• Enhance emotional intelligence and self-regulation for leading through uncertainty.
• Foster a culture of experimentation, learning, and psychological safety.
• Develop resilience and adaptability in dynamic environments.
• Create a personalized action plan for practicing adaptive leadership.

Course Modules

Module 1: Understanding Adaptive Leadership & Complex Systems

• Defining adaptive leadership and its relevance in today's world.
• Exploring the characteristics of complex adaptive systems.
• Differentiating between technical problems and adaptive challenges.
• The role of leadership in addressing adaptive challenges.
• Case studies of adaptive leadership in action.

Module 2: Diagnosing Adaptive Challenges

• Tools and frameworks for diagnosing complex problems.
• Identifying the "gap" between current reality and desired future.
• Understanding the role of values, beliefs, and loyalties in resistance to change.
• Techniques for gathering diverse perspectives and challenging assumptions.
• Framing adaptive challenges effectively for mobilization.

Module 3: Mobilizing for Adaptive Work

• Strategies for engaging stakeholders and building a guiding coalition.
• Creating a sense of urgency and shared purpose.
• Techniques for fostering psychological safety and encouraging experimentation.
• Managing conflict and resistance as sources of adaptive energy.
• Empowering individuals and teams to take ownership of adaptive work.

Module 4: Orchestrating Discomfort & Maintaining Productive Tension

• Understanding the concept of "holding the container" for adaptive work.
• Strategies for orchestrating productive discomfort to stimulate learning.
• Avoiding the temptation to provide technical solutions to adaptive challenges.
• Protecting voices of dissent and fostering courageous conversations.
• Balancing challenge with support to prevent overwhelm.

Module 5: Leadership Presence & Self-Management

• Developing self-awareness and emotional intelligence for adaptive leadership.
• Strategies for maintaining composure and clarity under pressure.
• Understanding your own triggers and vulnerabilities in complex situations.
• The importance of personal resilience and well-being for sustained adaptive work.
• Cultivating a reflective practice for continuous learning.

Module 6: Communication and Influence for Adaptive Change

• Mastering transparent and empathetic communication in ambiguous contexts.
• Techniques for articulating the adaptive challenge effectively.
• Using storytelling to inspire and connect with diverse audiences.
• Influencing without authority and building consensus for difficult changes.
• Strategies for managing expectations and providing clear direction amidst uncertainty.

Module 7: Fostering a Culture of Learning & Experimentation

• Implementing feedback loops for rapid learning and iteration.
• Encouraging experimentation and embracing intelligent failure.
• Building a learning organization that thrives on adaptive challenges.
• Strategies for celebrating progress and acknowledging the difficulty of adaptive work.
• Creating a personalized action plan for leading adaptively in your context.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 7 working days before commencement of the training.