Adaptive Leaders

Cathie Leimbach • June 16, 2023

Adaptive leadership is a way of leading that focuses on solving problems and achieving success. It means being creative and willing to do things differently. It requires flexibility, taking initiative, trying new things, and considering different ideas. Prior to Covid, adaptability was not listed in the top 10 leadership skills. However, post-covid it has been ranked as the most important leadership skill for thriving in our fast changing world.


To be an adaptive leader, you need certain qualities and skills. First, you should be creative. Adaptive leaders think outside the box, explore new ideas, and find unique solutions. They're not afraid to make mistakes and learn from them. They also value different opinions and ideas.


One way team leaders can show adaptive decision-making is by creating an environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing different ideas. They can ask questions that make team members think of different ways to do things. By having open and

inclusive discussions, team leaders can benefit from everyone's knowledge and find the best solution together.


Adaptive leaders also understand the importance of having diverse perspectives. They know that a team with people from different backgrounds and experiences can bring new insights and innovative solutions. By respecting and appreciating different viewpoints, adaptive leaders create a culture where everyone feels welcome to share their ideas and have constructive discussions.


In conclusion, adaptive leadership is important in a world that is always changing. It means being flexible, creative, and open to new ideas. It requires working together and considering different viewpoints. Adaptive leaders help their teams solve problems and achieve success by encouraging creativity and embracing diversity.

How Leadership Growth Drives Business Performance

By Cathie Leimbach • June 17, 2025
Herminia Ibarra’s research offers compelling insight into why leadership development should be viewed as a strategic priority. Her work shows that helping leaders grow isn’t just beneficial for individuals—it significantly improves how organizations operate and perform. Ibarra explores how leadership identity evolves over time. When managers step back from daily tasks and begin thinking and acting more strategically, it creates ripple effects across the organization. Teams become more engaged, decision-making improves, and execution becomes more effective. These shifts enhance productivity, innovation, and retention—key drivers of long-term success. Her research also highlights the value of building strong leadership pipelines. Companies that invest in leaders who are adaptable, self-aware, and skilled at big-picture thinking tend to be more agile and resilient. These organizations are better equipped to respond to change and seize new opportunities. By reframing leadership development as a strategic investment rather than a soft skill, Ibarra shows how it creates measurable improvements in performance across the organization. Growth in leadership capacity leads to smarter decisions, healthier cultures, and stronger overall results. 👉 For a deeper dive into the data, click here to view Insights from Herminia Ibarra’s Research on Leadership Development and its Measurable Impact.

Age and Gender Shape How Employees Want to Be Appreciated

By Cathie Leimbach • June 10, 2025
In today’s evolving workplace, one constant remains: employees want to feel valued. Interestingly, research comparing data from before and after COVID-19 shows that employees' preferred languages of appreciation have remained remarkably consistent over time. However, age and gender differences reveal important nuances leaders shouldn’t ignore. Gender differences are clear. Men more frequently chose Acts of Service as their preferred form of appreciation (26%), while women gravitated toward Words of Affirmation (46%). When asked about their least preferred language, women were more likely to rank Acts of Service at the bottom, while men showed a strong dislike for Tangible Gifts. Age also matters. Employees over 60 overwhelmingly preferred Words of Affirmation (48%), while the youngest generation (under 20) leaned toward Quality Time (33%). These trends suggest that life stage and workplace experience shape what appreciation feels most meaningful.  The takeaway? While core preferences haven't shifted dramatically post-COVID, effective leaders need to understand and respond to individual differences. Avoid blanket strategies and invest in knowing how each team member feels most valued. Personalized appreciation builds stronger teams—across every generation and gender. For further details, see Dr. Paul White’s article on gender differences in appreciation preference.
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