Adaptive leadership finds its own way in Lithuania

In order to fast – track changes in Lithuanian public life the Institute of International Relations and Political Science of Vilnius University (IIRPS VU) has initiated one of the newest concepts of leadership – the adaptive leadership – dissemination in Lithuania. On the 19th – 21st of October Ed O‘Malley (the CEO of Kansas Leadership Center) and the professor Mary Tolar (Kansas Sate Univesity) have visited IIPRS VU. They held an intensive three days training for a group of public, private and non-goverment sectors‘ representatives and academics. This visit has been funded by Valiūnas and co. Ellex and ambassador Rytis Paulauskas, Permanent Representative of Lithuania to the United Nations and other International Organizations in Geneva.

The concept of adaptive leadership has been established by Ron Heifetz and Marty Linsky of Harvard Kennedy School. Adaptive leadership is a practical tool for individuals, organizations and communities in order to make changes and prosper in difficult conditions like uncertainty and conflicts. The concept is based on the differentiation between substantial and minor factors, understanding the relation between power and leadership, impact assessment and management of dynamic changes of individuals and institutions.

Ed and Mary presented the conception of adaptive leadership and while using case studies and interactive teaching methods they helped to understand the best ways to convey the importance of adaptive leadership for everyone who want to build healthier, stronger and more prosperous communities. During the same visit they also met with IIRPS alumni and took part in Global Lithuanian Leaders debates.

This visit was a sequel of professor Marty Linsky – a founder of adaptive leadership and famous teacher of leadership at Harward Kennedy School – work. He visited IIRPS VU in December, 2014 and held a public lecture. He also met with initiators of adaptive leadership in Lithuania.