Thriving Amid Multiple Transformations: Navigating Change

Course Description

This intermediate-level leadership course equips managers and executive leaders with practical frameworks to navigate complex organizational challenges. Participants will learn to diagnose operational and adaptive situations, select targeted leadership responses, and lead meaningful change. Beyond high-level theory, the course delivers pragmatic project tools such as, portfolio management strategies and communication techniques specifically tailored to guide child welfare organizations through transitions.

Learning Objectives

     Knowledge Objectives

• Identify various organizational challenges and the specific leadership behaviors required for each
• Analyze core Adaptive Leadership principles to determine when and how to apply them
• Describe practical tools for overseeing complex projects, including portfolio management, governance structures, change management techniques, and communication strategies

Skill Objectives

• Assess workplace scenarios to select and execute the most effective leadership approach
• Consciously adapt personal leadership behaviors to fit changing situational demands
• Evaluate personal leadership tendencies to identify and correct potential blind spots or ineffective habits

Values Objectives

• Recognize the critical importance of aligning leadership styles with the specific nature of a challenge
• Respect the expertise, agency, and diverse perspectives of staff and external stakeholders
• Champion continuous learning, adaptation, and shared responsibility as vital elements of sustainable systems change

A foundation of the course is to teach a set of ten adaptive leadership behaviors, and one of the ten is to demonstrate and lead from an “Inclusive Orientation”. This is intended to integrate diversity, equity and inclusion into a leadership skill that must be practiced to be effective.

Participants will be presented with the importance of having a diversity of respected and valued perspectives and ideas interwoven in the process of effectively changing complex child welfare systems.