Ken Spangler: In a world where the speed and scale of change will continue to accelerate, it’s not enough to have a visionary at the top or a few transformational leaders. Organizations must develop and expand adaptive leadership capabilities across the enterprise, integrating the adaptive mindset, skills, and behavior into their organization’s DNA.
At the highest level, you need adaptive executives who can envision the future and set a direction that anticipates change. Research by MIT Sloan Management Review shows that companies with forward-looking executives are 30% more likely to be industry leaders. These leaders create an atmosphere where innovation is encouraged, and adaptability is celebrated.
Ken Spangler, co-founder, AdaptiveION
AdaptiveION
Then there are what we call ‘adaptive changers.’ These are the change agents within the organization who translate the vision into actionable plans. According to a study by McKinsey & Company, 70% of change initiatives fail due to lack of buy-in and resistance. Adaptive changers overcome this by engaging stakeholders early and often, building alignment, and fostering an action-based culture of collaboration that can sense, respond, and pivot quickly.
