Pivot for Resilience

A Pivot Point is a Metaphor for Effective Team Leadership.

Imagine an adaptive leader as a pivot point in a mechanical system. Just as a pivot allows for smooth and flexible movement, enabling the system to change direction efficiently, an adaptive leader facilitates quick and effective adjustments in response to new challenges and opportunities.

Here are some parallels:

• Flexibility: The leader can change direction and strategies as needed, similar to how a pivot allows for rotational movement and flexibility.

  
  

• Stability: The leader provides a stable point around which the team can manoeuvre, much like a pivot supports and stabilises the movement of connected parts.

  
  

• Adaptability: The leader helps the team adapt to changing circumstances, just as a pivot enables a system to adjust its orientation and function.

  
  

• Efficiency: The leader ensures smooth transitions and minimizes friction during changes, akin to how a well-designed pivot reduces resistance and wear.

The above illustrates how an adaptive leader is crucial in guiding their team through changes and ensuring they can pivot effectively to meet new demands.

The Adaptive Leader

Flexible and adaptive leadership is becoming more important for most leaders as the pace of change affecting organisations increases. The types of changes that increase the need for flexibility, adaptation, and innovation by leaders include:

• Increased globalisation and international commerce.

• Rapid technological change.

• Changing cultural values.

• A more diverse workforce.

• More use of outsourcing.

• New forms of social networking.

• Increased use of virtual interaction.

• Legislative and regulatory changes.

• More visibility of leader actions (e.g., on the Internet).

• Concern for outcomes besides profits (e.g., ethical actions, social responsibility, environmental impact, and sustainability).

Source: Yukl, Gary & Mahsud, Rubina. (2010)

The above explains the elements that contribute to adaptive leadership. Remember, it's not just about flexibility and change -- stability, consistency and focus are also important.

What environmental factors are requiring you to change your approach to leadership? What aspect of your leadership remains the same, despite these changes?

I’m keen to hear your thoughts on the above.

About the Author 

Angela Richardson is a master’s qualified expert in people leadership and change management. Angela has dedicated over 25 years to helping organisations build resilience to thrive and grow amidst uncertainty. Her practice focuses on equipping leaders with the knowledge, skills and mindsets needed to navigate and adapt to change effectively. 

Contact Angela, at angela@angelarichardson.com.au or on 0488 097 885