Leading through adaptive challenges can be one of the toughest tests for a leader. Inspired by Leadership on the Line, With a New Preface: Staying Alive Through the Dangers of Change by Ronald Heifetz and Marty Linsky, this concise checklist distills the book’s core principles into actionable steps to help you lead with clarity, courage, and resilience. Whether you’re navigating change, addressing conflict, or sustaining your energy, these guidelines will help you remember the messages of the book to keep you grounded and effective.
Checklist 1: Preparing to Lead Adaptive Challenges
Lay the foundation for thoughtful and courageous leadership.
Get on the Balcony
- Am I stepping back to assess the broader picture, including patterns and dynamics?
- Have I distinguished technical challenges from adaptive ones?
Understand Stakeholders
- Do I know where people are emotionally and mentally regarding the challenge?
- Am I listening to the “song beneath the words” to uncover unspoken concerns?
Clarify Goals
- What change is truly necessary, and how can I communicate it clearly?
- How can I align my actions with the overarching purpose?
Plan for Resistance
- Who might oppose this change, and what losses might they face?
- How can I acknowledge their concerns without compromising the goal?
Checklist 2: Leading Through the Work
Engage effectively and manage the tensions that arise.
Orchestrate Conflict
- Have I created a safe space where people can address difficult issues constructively?
- Am I balancing raising the heat (to confront problems) with lowering it (to prevent overwhelm)?
Share the Work
- Am I giving others ownership of the adaptive challenges?
- Have I placed responsibility where it belongs, avoiding the urge to do everything myself?
Model Leadership
- Am I staying composed and leading by example, even under pressure?
- How am I demonstrating the behaviors I wish to see in others?
Pace the Change
- Am I pacing the flow of information and decisions to avoid overwhelming others?
- Are my interventions short, clear, and purposeful?
Checklist 3: Sustaining Yourself as a Leader
Ensure you can endure the challenges of leadership with resilience and purpose.
Manage Your Hungers
- Am I seeking power, affirmation, or connection in unhealthy ways?
- How can I satisfy these needs through personal relationships and healthy habits?
Anchor Yourself
- Do I have a clear boundary between my professional role and personal identity?
- Am I maintaining strong, supportive relationships outside of work?
Stay True to Your Purpose
- Am I acting from a place of love and service rather than fear or ego?
- How can I reconnect with the deeper meaning of this work?
Practice Self-Care
- Have I created time for rest, reflection, and renewal?
- What rituals or practices help me transition between professional and personal life?
How to Use This Checklist
Use this framework to reflect on your leadership practice and navigate adaptive challenges. Start by reviewing the checklists during significant transitions or when facing major challenges. Over time, these principles will become second nature, guiding you toward courageous and sustainable leadership. Keep this checklist handy to remain grounded, purposeful, and effective in the face of complexity.
A Recommendation for Further Reading
If you’re working to drive meaningful change in a context where resistance is inevitable, Leadership on the Line is an invaluable resource. The book provides deep insights into navigating opposition, managing conflict, and sustaining yourself as a leader. It’s a must-read for anyone who wants to make a lasting impact while facing significant pushback. It is available as an audiobook.
