Adaptive or Technical?
This type of problem usually has a clear solution and protocol to follow.
What is a Technical Problem?
Which part of the cycle involves noticing events and behaviors?
Observation
True or False: You can achieve more Leadership by being promoted.
False
What are the three key functions of formal authority?
Direction, Protection, Order.
Informal authority comes from ______.
Relationships and trust.
This type of challenge can trigger emotions and competing commitments.
What is an Adaptive Challenge?
In which step do you try to make meaning from what you’ve seen?
Interpretation.
What does it mean to “disrupt your own people at a rate they can absorb”?
Pacing change so it's manageable but still pushes growth.
True or False: If you are working really hard to make sure your team is meeting the deadline, you are practicing leadership.
False. You are using your formal authority.
Name one way to strengthen informal authority.
Score early wins / build relationships / be curious.
True or False: Technical problems often require experimentation and learning.
False.
You’ve observed and interpreted. Now what?
Design an intervention.
Leadership is an action. Talk about leadership in relation to the status quo/expectations.
The answer will vary. Leadership is an action outside of the circle of expectations/outside of status quo.
True or False: Formal authority is the same as leadership.
False.
Should you only focus on people in power when building informal authority?
No – include others, especially those with different opinions.
Name 3 signs you're dealing with an adaptive challenge.
Multiple possible: recurring issue, emotional triggers, competing commitments, etc.
True or False: The O-I-I process is linear.
False – it’s iterative.
Why might leadership feel risky?
There may be losses or casualties – emotional, structural, or relational.
Who provides clarity on roles and vision?
Formal Authority
Give a real-life example of increasing your formal authority.
(Answers may vary)
You fix something, but it keeps coming back. What type of challenge is this and why?
Adaptive – the surface issue may mask deeper systemic challenges.
Create a quick example of O-I-I in a team conflict scenario.
(Example may vary.)
Give an example of an act of leadership you've recently pursued.
(Example may vary.)
Give an example of someone exercising formal authority.
Manager delegating roles, setting rules, etc.
What’s one risk of neglecting informal authority in a change process?
Lack of buy-in, resistance, siloed efforts.