Adaptive Leadership Series

Step into the kind of leadership today demands—bold, flexible and ready for change. In a world where uncertainty is the norm, technical know-how alone isn’t enough. This dynamic course explores the art of adaptive leadership, equipping you with the tools to lead through complexity, spark innovation and drive meaningful change.

Learn how to navigate resistance, align diverse stakeholders and turn ambiguity into opportunity. Grounded in research and real-world application, this course offers a powerful framework to help you lead with clarity, resilience and purpose—no matter what challenges come your way.

Learning Objectives

Develop a deep understanding of adaptive leadership

  • Explain the core principles of adaptive leadership and its relevance in complex environments
  • Differentiate between technical and adaptive challenges in organizational contexts
  • Distinguish leadership from authority and understand their complementary roles
  • Diagnose systemic problems using adaptive thinking and systems analysis

Apply practical tools and frameworks for adaptive leadership

  • Utilize the adaptive leadership cycle: observation, interpretation and Intervention.
  • Operate effectively within the productive zone of disequilibrium.
  • Apply conflict management techniques tailored to adaptive challenges.
  • Conduct stakeholder mapping to support change initiatives and build coalitions.

Strengthening leadership skills to drive sustainable change

  • Practice techniques to regulate distress and maintain team engagement during uncertainty.
  • Implement strategies to empower others and distribute leadership responsibilities.
  • Leverage conflict as a catalyst for learning and innovation.

Engage in real-world application and experiential learning

  • Analyze case studies of successful and failed adaptive leadership efforts.
  • Participate in hands-on exercises, debates and role-playing to reinforce learning.
  • Create an action plan for applying adaptive leadership principles in personal and organizational contexts.

Design a personalized roadmap for leading adaptive change

  • Develop tailored leadership strategies to address individual and organizational challenges.
  • Learn to frame issues effectively to mobilize stakeholders and drive action.
  • Build a sustainable plan for leading adaptive change while avoiding burnout 
Academic Units
0
Section Number
252CTS961
Instruction Method
Online class

Section Notes

Fee Details: The enrollment fee for the 8-day series is $2040.00 per participant or .48 training units for those utilizing their county contract. This fee includes quality instruction from subject-matter expert(s), research-based curricula and all digital course materials.

Training Format: This program will be offered via remote learning using Zoom. Login information will be provided after your enrollment is processed.

Enrollment Policies

Enrollment closes on 12/10/25

Those paying by check or with credit card, please have payment to us at your earliest convenience.

To be officially dropped from the class, please notify us at least 10 business days prior to the training start date to drop a class and cancel the billing, or request a refund of fees paid, less than a $30 processing fee (no exceptions). Please use this link to cancel from the class:  Enrollment Cancelation Link If you have questions, please contact us at (530) 757-8538 or at human@ucde.ucdavis.edu.

Substitutions can be made with 48-hour minimum notice prior to the training start date. A 48-hour notice is needed to get all updated information processed.