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Jun 26, 2020 Justine rated it it was amazing

The best book on leadership I've read - I appreciated that it talked about being a leader with formal or informal authority and how that's different.

I'll continue to reflect on adaptive challenges, holding environments, and how to get to the balcony / create sanctuaries as a leader — especially with everything going on right now.

May 01, 2013 Hj Barraza rated it really liked it

You get a full synthesis & summary here: http://bit.ly/14eV9j1

Ronald A. Heifetz provides a discussion of just how complicated leadership is and how challenging it can be to lead in a responsible, ethical fashion. The book analyzes a number of leaders who faced not just crises, but transformational situations. As the book's title promises.

True Adaptive, Social Leadership doesn't take shortcuts; he carefully looks at the complexities that leadership, power and authority involve. His examples range

You get a full synthesis & summary here: http://bit.ly/14eV9j1

Ronald A. Heifetz provides a discussion of just how complicated leadership is and how challenging it can be to lead in a responsible, ethical fashion. The book analyzes a number of leaders who faced not just crises, but transformational situations. As the book's title promises.

True Adaptive, Social Leadership doesn't take shortcuts; he carefully looks at the complexities that leadership, power and authority involve. His examples range from Mohandas Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. to former U.S. president Lyndon B. Johnson to Adolf Hitler. To make his point, he uses metaphors from biology, music and the military and draws lessons from history. Heifetz has developed a great angle to look at leadership that will force you to reject the easy, superficial answers that make up so much of leadership literature. In their place, Heifetz offers approaches for observing contexts, balancing various factors and monitoring growth.

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Jun 27, 2018 AC rated it really liked it

Quite fascinating -- intelligent, with many applicable insights, this is not a book of kitsch psychology.

Sep 08, 2007 Peter Mello rated it it was amazing

Recommends it for: leaders and change agents

This is one of the most powerful books that I have ever read. It is a must read for all leaders and change agents which will help identify and attack adaptive challenges (the BIG problems without simple, technical solutions.)

Dec 31, 2016 Susan Iverson rated it really liked it

I find myself drawn back to Heifetz work as a trusted guidepost for leadership, particularly leading without authority

Feb 22, 2019 Adrienne rated it it was amazing

Best book I've ever read on change management. Wish I'd read it 30 years ago. Best book I've ever read on change management. Wish I'd read it 30 years ago. ...more

Sep 21, 2017 Todd rated it really liked it

In his seminal book, Heifetz outlines his theory of adaptive leadership. That is, how leaders educate society about the need for change. The book centers on LBJ and his success in bringing about the Voter Rights Act, and his failure in the Vietnam War. In the former instance, LBJ gradually educated society about the need for the change, in the latter matter he pursued a technocratic response and neglected to inform the American public about the purpose of the war. This book, overall, improved my In his seminal book, Heifetz outlines his theory of adaptive leadership. That is, how leaders educate society about the need for change. The book centers on LBJ and his success in bringing about the Voter Rights Act, and his failure in the Vietnam War. In the former instance, LBJ gradually educated society about the need for the change, in the latter matter he pursued a technocratic response and neglected to inform the American public about the purpose of the war. This book, overall, improved my understanding of the importance of messaging to the public to obtain change and the need for successful leaders to communicate. ...more

May 01, 2018 Lynn rated it really liked it

This book explains the adaptive leadership theory using examples from the twentieth century. It also explains how one might lead in this style even if you do not have positional authority. Heifetz does a good job explaining what must happen if a leader wants to help her followers adapt to a new situation. He gives examples from history and he explains each step along the way. Even if one does not use all the parts of this leadership theory, there are good ideas for helping yourself and others ad This book explains the adaptive leadership theory using examples from the twentieth century. It also explains how one might lead in this style even if you do not have positional authority. Heifetz does a good job explaining what must happen if a leader wants to help her followers adapt to a new situation. He gives examples from history and he explains each step along the way. Even if one does not use all the parts of this leadership theory, there are good ideas for helping yourself and others adapt to situations that have no easy answers and/ or no known answers. ...more

Very interesting analysis of some well known folks in leadership positions up to the early 1990s so many of the examples may seem dated. My main takeaway is that there are different types of leaders and leadership. There is adaptive work where learning is required to address conflicts in order to change values, beliefs, and behavior. Leadership is defined as mobilizing people to tackle tough problems, providing a vision, and influencing others. This is an activity, not traits.

The author goes th

Very interesting analysis of some well known folks in leadership positions up to the early 1990s so many of the examples may seem dated. My main takeaway is that there are different types of leaders and leadership. There is adaptive work where learning is required to address conflicts in order to change values, beliefs, and behavior. Leadership is defined as mobilizing people to tackle tough problems, providing a vision, and influencing others. This is an activity, not traits.

The author goes through his theory from the roots of authority, mobilizing adaptive work, applying power with formal authority versus informal authority, and cites examples including LBJ during the 1960s, civil rights and Vietnam; MLK-civil rights and Selma, Ghandi and India-non violence; Sanger with birth control.

It was interesting to understand the theory behind leadership, particularly if you've ever been or will be in a leadership role. I just wish there were other examples of leaders who were not of the left wing liberal persuasion. I know most of these authors are in academia, and it detracts from getting the point across. Not sure these authors understand that or that they care. I would love a non partisan look at issues, but I am not holding my breath.

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Very well researched book which gives an excellent framework for approaching leadership. Emphasizes that leadership is adaptive and ongoing. Enjoyed many of the historical anecdotes particularly those about Lyndon Johnson. Definitely can tell Heifetz approaches leadership from a very thoughtful perspective and his psychiatric training background comes through.

Dec 07, 2018 Sarah rated it liked it

I like the history and the academic approach, but the end result is that those examples of leadership (presidencies, wars, civil rights injustices that shape a century) are so extraordinary that it doesn't feel like the daily forms of leadership most experience in the workplace or in local communities are fully addressed. I like the history and the academic approach, but the end result is that those examples of leadership (presidencies, wars, civil rights injustices that shape a century) are so extraordinary that it doesn't feel like the daily forms of leadership most experience in the workplace or in local communities are fully addressed. ...more

Jan 26, 2019 Beattie rated it it was amazing

Took me a long time to read, but absolutely worth it. All the examples of leadership used in the book gave me different such perspectives than I've ever had before. A well crafted book that uses narrative to make a point that I normally wouldn't remember, but makes it so memorable that it's hard to forget. Especially great for a young, inexperienced leader like me.

Jun 21, 2017 Jody Erikson rated it it was amazing

Not as easy to read as I would like but have used the basics in the book many, many times in mediation and facilitation.

Dec 20, 2017 Franco rated it it was amazing

I gave this book full marks not because I think it was necessarily amazingly written, but because the ideas contained within it have changed my view of social interaction and change significantly.

Apr 13, 2018 Shawn rated it it was amazing

A brilliant and original work that will redefine for you the purpose of organizational leadership.

Jul 13, 2020 Nicolás Díaz rated it it was amazing

An essential book that explores leadership as an activity, not as an inherent trait or an acquired position.

Mar 26, 2021 Cindy rated it it was amazing

One of the better leadership books I've read, probably because of the clear message and memorable examples. As relevant now as when it was written 30 years ago. One of the better leadership books I've read, probably because of the clear message and memorable examples. As relevant now as when it was written 30 years ago. ...more

Jun 20, 2022 Nic rated it really liked it

unique and valuable leadership paradigm

Jan 02, 2014 Andy Mitchell rated it really liked it

This book paints with broad strokes and illustrates principles of leadership with surprising detail. This is an impressive accomplishment.

I found the author's analysis of three different types of leadership situations very useful:

Situation Problem definition Solution and implementation Primary locus of responsibility for the work Kind of work
Type I Clear Clear Expert Technical
Type II Clear Requires learning Expert and individual Technical and adaptive
Type III Requires learning Requires learning

This book paints with broad strokes and illustrates principles of leadership with surprising detail. This is an impressive accomplishment.

I found the author's analysis of three different types of leadership situations very useful:

Situation Problem definition Solution and implementation Primary locus of responsibility for the work Kind of work
Type I Clear Clear Expert Technical
Type II Clear Requires learning Expert and individual Technical and adaptive
Type III Requires learning Requires learning Individual > expert Adaptive
Dr. Heifetz's distinction between technical and adaptive leadership behaviors is also extremely insightful:

Social function Technical problem Adaptive problem
Direction Expert provides problem definition and solution Expert identifies the adaptive challenge, provides diagnosis of condition, and produces questions about problem definitions and solutions
Protection Expert protects from external threat Expert discloses external threat
Role orientation Expert orients Expert disorients current roles, or resists pressure to orient people in new roles too quickly
Controlling conflict Expert restores order Expert exposes conflict, or lets it emerge
Norm maintenance Expert maintains norms Expert challenges norms, or allows them to be challenged

The author then suggests the following elements of effective leadership:

identifying the adaptive challenge
keeping distress within a productive range
directing attention to ripening issues and not diversions
giving the work back to the people
protecting voices of leadership in the community

Finally, Dr. Heifetz provides the leader seven steps to handling the burden of leadership:

get on the balcony
distinguish self from role
externalize the conflict
use partners
listen, using oneself as data
find a sanctuary
preserve a sense of purpose
It is this final point, leading from a strong sense of the importance of the work, that begins and ends the author's thesis and analysis.

Without purpose, it is impossible to judge the value and effectiveness of a leader's work.

At times, I shook my head wondering how our leaders in Albany plan to implement these concepts. I see New York repeatedly implementing technical solutions to adaptive problems.

Although this book was dense and difficult to get through, I highly recommend it. It is deep and wide.

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Nov 11, 2013 Jeffrey rated it liked it

"We tend to look the wrong kind of leadership. We call for someone with answers, decision, strength, and a map of the future. Instead of looking for saviors, we should be calling for leadership that will challenge us to face problems for which there are no simple, painless solutions - problems that require us to learn new ways."

Our expectations of authority figures become counterproductive when our organizations and communities face adaptive challenge - when the application of known methods and

"We tend to look the wrong kind of leadership. We call for someone with answers, decision, strength, and a map of the future. Instead of looking for saviors, we should be calling for leadership that will challenge us to face problems for which there are no simple, painless solutions - problems that require us to learn new ways."

Our expectations of authority figures become counterproductive when our organizations and communities face adaptive challenge - when the application of known methods and procedures will not suffice. We continue to expect our authorities o restore equilibrium with dispatch. If they do not act quickly to reduce our feelings of urgency we bring them down. The we sometimes call these situations 'crisis of leadership' is symptomatic of the problem of habitually blaming authority. We blame them for the persistence of frustrating problems that demand our own adaptive work. Authorities provide the quick fixes that we demand, which is counterproductive as it delays the hard adaptive work.

Leadership in adaptive situations means going against the grain. Rather than fulfilling the expectation for answers, one provides questions; rather than protecting people from outside threats, one lets people feel the threat in order to stimulate adaptation; instead of orienting people to their current roles, one disorients people so that new role relationships develop; one generates conflict and challenges norms.

Considerations: (1) severity of problem, (2) resilience of social system, (3) ripeness of issue, (4) time.

Rule of Thumb: one become more autocratic - exclusive - when the issue is likely to overwhelm the current resilience of the group or society given the time available for decision.

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Jan 17, 2016 Paul W rated it did not like it

Heifetz adopts a contingency approach to leadership driven by two key variables: (a) whether or not a person has authority; and (b) whether the leader is dealing with routine problems or those demanding innovation and learning.
This approach, as intimated in the book's title, contrasts with that adopted by authors like Zenger and Folkman (The Extraordinary Leader) and Fuda (Leadership Transformed) who adopt a universalist approach - we will be better leaders if we follow certain steps or adopt ce Heifetz adopts a contingency approach to leadership driven by two key variables: (a) whether or not a person has authority; and (b) whether the leader is dealing with routine problems or those demanding innovation and learning.
This approach, as intimated in the book's title, contrasts with that adopted by authors like Zenger and Folkman (The Extraordinary Leader) and Fuda (Leadership Transformed) who adopt a universalist approach - we will be better leaders if we follow certain steps or adopt certain behaviours.
At its core Heifetz explores the following principles of leadership (1) identifying the adaptive challenge, (2) keeping distress within a productive range; (3) directing attention to ripening issues and not diversion; (4) giving the work back to the people; and (5) protecting voices of leadership in the community.
Heifetz's strength in analytics is also this books key weakness. It takes a dedicated reader to persevere through some, understandably, academic sidepaths - for example the historical discussion on leadership including the trait approach, the situationalist approach, the contingency approach and the transactional approach. The best section is its last which explores the personal challenge of leadership.
If your looking for an academic approach to leadership, this book will reward a considered read, but it will not be for everyone. ...more

Jan 21, 2017 Anthony rated it it was amazing

Two key points that I have got from this book:

Leadership is an activity, and thus can be performed by anyone. It is an important distinction, as it makes everyone in the group accountable.
Look at the question of bringing up an issue strategically. Think who stakeholders are, how to move them in the direction you need them to go, without overstretching the system.

If I may, I would compare this theory to Jeet Kun Do's philosophy. As Bruce Lee famously said: "You must be shapeless, formless, like

Two key points that I have got from this book:

Leadership is an activity, and thus can be performed by anyone. It is an important distinction, as it makes everyone in the group accountable.
Look at the question of bringing up an issue strategically. Think who stakeholders are, how to move them in the direction you need them to go, without overstretching the system.

If I may, I would compare this theory to Jeet Kun Do's philosophy. As Bruce Lee famously said: "You must be shapeless, formless, like water. When you pour water in a cup, it becomes the cup. When you pour water in a bottle, it becomes the bottle. When you pour water in a teapot, it becomes the teapot. Water can drip and it can crash. Become like water my friend."

The book doesn't provide an easy answer, but it does provide a framework within each one can think effectively.

...more

Jun 23, 2009 Jeff Kinsey rated it it was amazing

How times have you been involved in a discussion about leadership? What leadership is, what it is not. Asked for examples of good leaders? Felt compelled to offer examples of poor leaders?

Heifetz' book "Leadership without Easy Answers" is a must own. Period.

Why? Too many great reasons to recite them all. But let me hit some highlights that hopefully will convince you to at least browse this book at your favorite bookstore.

1. A framework to organize the concepts of Leadership
2. Analysis of decisi

How times have you been involved in a discussion about leadership? What leadership is, what it is not. Asked for examples of good leaders? Felt compelled to offer examples of poor leaders?

Heifetz' book "Leadership without Easy Answers" is a must own. Period.

Why? Too many great reasons to recite them all. But let me hit some highlights that hopefully will convince you to at least browse this book at your favorite bookstore.

1. A framework to organize the concepts of Leadership
2. Analysis of decision making in the context of Leadership
3. Insight in the dynamics of change and tips to manage change

Having read it only once, I would guess that I have about a 10% comprehension of the material. Only nine more reads to go!

-ski

...more

Aug 04, 2016 Jordan rated it really liked it

Good read and plenty of good pointers to take out of this read.

This book is different to other leadership books in that it talks about how people without formal authority can lead, unlike other books which often focus on people with authority.

I have seen some of the concepts in this book in other situations; e.g. the idea of an 'adaptive' problem, where both the problem and solution is not clear; and how the worst 'leaders' with authority are those who are only effective when faced with a rout

Good read and plenty of good pointers to take out of this read.

This book is different to other leadership books in that it talks about how people without formal authority can lead, unlike other books which often focus on people with authority.

I have seen some of the concepts in this book in other situations; e.g. the idea of an 'adaptive' problem, where both the problem and solution is not clear; and how the worst 'leaders' with authority are those who are only effective when faced with a routine problem that requires an routine answer and often lack the skills to be effective when inevitably faced with non-routine problems.

...more

Jan 29, 2012 Melanie rated it it was amazing

"Instead of looking for saviors, we should be calling for leadership that will challenge us to face problems for which there are no simple, painless solutions-- problems that require us to learn new ways."- Heifetz

Adaptive Leadership, as described by Heifetz, is the only model of leadership that I have seen that is fully applicable to public administration. Great read for those working in government or community activism!

"Instead of looking for saviors, we should be calling for leadership that will challenge us to face problems for which there are no simple, painless solutions-- problems that require us to learn new ways."- Heifetz

Adaptive Leadership, as described by Heifetz, is the only model of leadership that I have seen that is fully applicable to public administration. Great read for those working in government or community activism!

...more

Feb 21, 2015 James rated it liked it

I don't tend to enjoy these kinds of books, but the observations in this volume are very interesting. Furthermore, it is well written, which makes for more enjoyable reading. There are great historical examples of leadership (both good and bad), and the prescriptions for leadership are broad enough to be used in almost any setting. If you want to read a secular book and leadership, this one would be worth your time. I don't tend to enjoy these kinds of books, but the observations in this volume are very interesting. Furthermore, it is well written, which makes for more enjoyable reading. There are great historical examples of leadership (both good and bad), and the prescriptions for leadership are broad enough to be used in almost any setting. If you want to read a secular book and leadership, this one would be worth your time. ...more

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Author Alexis Hall is a self-described "genrequeer writer of kissing books," and a quick glance at his recent body of work shows he's written...

"Without conflict and tension, music lacks dynamism and movement. The composer and the improvisational musician alike must contain the dissonance within a frame that holds the audience's attention until resolution is found.
Music also teaches to distinguish the varieties of silence: restless, energized, bored, tranquil, and sublime.' With silence one creates moments so that something new can be heard; one holds the tension in an audience or working group, or punctuates important phrases, allowing time for the message to settle.
Creating music takes place in relation to structures and audiences. Structural limits provide scaffolding for creativity. Plato put it this way: "If there is no contradictory impression, there is nothing to awaken reflection."' People create in relation to something or someone. Although the audience may be safely tucked inside the composer's mind, still it is there." — 0 likes

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