Adaptive Leadership: The Heifetz Collection (3 Items)

7

Hold Steady

We’ve explored why adaptive work generates heat and resistance,

the forms of danger this resistance takes, and how to respond. But

taking action to manage political relationships, orchestrate the con-

flict, or give back the work assumes that you are able to meet a more

basic challenge—maintaining your poise so that you can plan the

best next step. Holding steady in the heat of action is an essential

skill for staying alive and keeping people focused on the work. The

pressure on you may be almost unbearable, causing you to doubt

both your own capacities and your direction. If you waver or act

prematurely, your initiative can be lost in an ...