Adaptive Leadership in a Changing World: A Conversation with Tod Bolsinger

In this episode of the Faith Roundtable, host Josh Burtram interviews Todd Bolsinger, founder of A.E. Sloan Leadership, about his series of books on change and leadership. Bolsinger discusses the challenges of leading in a rapidly changing world and the need for adaptive leadership. He emphasizes the importance of identifying and preserving core values while letting go of old practices and adapting to new circumstances. Bolsinger also highlights leaders' four common mistakes when navigating change: trying harder, appeasing stakeholders, avoiding loss, and relying on past success. He provides insights on overcoming these mistakes and leading effectively in times of change. Tod Bolsinger discusses the importance of adapting values and leading through change in this conversation. He emphasizes the need to identify and adapt values that define us, whether in a family, organization, or community. Bolsinger also highlights the significance of mission over balance, stating that the mission should be the most important thing for leaders. He addresses the challenges of resistance and the importance of trust in the transformation process. Bolsinger provides insights for leaders entering established organizations and those starting from scratch, emphasizing the need to clarify core values and navigate competing values.

Key Takeaways:

1. Leaders must be willing to adapt to the ever-changing world and let go of old practices that no longer serve their mission.

2. Identifying and preserving core values is crucial in times of change.

3. Leaders often make four common mistakes when navigating change: trying harder, appeasing stakeholders, avoiding loss, and relying on past success.

4. Effective leadership in times of change requires a willingness to disappoint and a commitment to the mission.

5. Leaders must learn to discern between values that need to be preserved and values that are holding them back. Identify and adapt values that define us, whether in a family, organization, or community.

6. Prioritize the mission over balance and make decisions based on the mission rather than personal preferences.

7. Navigate resistance by accompanying people through losses and leading with empathy.

8. Maintain trust by demonstrating technical competence, relational congruence, and adaptive capacity.

9. Clarify core values and navigate competing values when entering established organizations or starting from scratch.

Keywords:

#faith #leadership #change #adaptiveleadership #values #challenges #corevalues #mistakes #preserving #adaptingtochange #adaptation #mission #resistance #trust #todbolsinger

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