Question 1

Who solves technical challenges?

Accepted Answer

Leaders are responsible for solving technical challenges as they have the authority and resources to make decisions and implement solutions.

Question 2

How many archetypes are used in adaptive leadership to help determine the difference between adaptive and technical challenges?

Accepted Answer

Adaptive leadership uses four archetypes to help distinguish between adaptive and technical challenges. These archetypes are: the gap between espoused values and behavior, competing commitments, speaking the unspeakable, and work avoidance.

Question 3

I am the leader in the manufacturing division of an auto manufacturing company and just found a technical problem with one part of how the line places the engine block in the car. I figured out the problem and fixed it right away. Which type of leader behavior was I using during this process?

Accepted Answer

Identifying adaptive challenges involves recognizing and addressing complex problems that require changes in people's priorities, beliefs, habits, and loyalties. Fixing a technical problem on the manufacturing line is an example of identifying and addressing a specific issue that could impact the production process, which aligns with the concept of identifying adaptive challenges.

Question 4

I have been working with the staff on a difficult problem for three days. Everyone is stressed and bickering and losing focus. I decide to go for a run, which is a time when I typically can quietly think and gain perspective on problems. This is an example of which adaptive leader behavior?

Accepted Answer

Going for a run to gain perspective on a problem is an example of getting on the balcony. This adaptive leader behavior involves taking a step back from the situation and gaining a broader perspective. This can help to identify underlying issues and find new ways to approach the problem at hand.

Question 5

You are tasked with creating a brand new food product using a team of people who are unfamiliar with the product and do not know one another. The organizational structure of this group is very loosely defined. This is an example of

Accepted Answer

This is an example of an adaptive challenge because it requires new ways of thinking and collaboration from a group of people who are unfamiliar with each other and the product. They must adapt to the situation and work together to create something new, which can be a challenging process.

Question 6

My company states integrity as a core commitment on its website. I see fraud occurring often in my division of the company. Which archetype describes this company?

Accepted Answer

The company states integrity as a core commitment on its website, but fraud is occurring often in the division, indicating a gap between espoused values and behaviors.

Question 7

Which of the following is not one of the six adaptive leader behaviors in the model?

Accepted Answer

"Provide a holding environment" is not one of the six adaptive leader behaviors in the model. The other choices - "Get on the balcony," "Identify adaptive challenges," and "Regulate distress" - are all included in the model as important adaptive leader behaviors.

Question 8

What type of challenge occurred when the problem employees encountered was clearly defined but difficult to solve?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What type of challenge occurred when the...

Question 9

Who solves technical and adaptive challenges?

Accepted Answer

Both leaders and followers have a role in solving technical and adaptive challenges. Leaders provide direction, resources, and support to their followers to solve technical challenges, while followers provide feedback and ideas to solve adaptive challenges. It is a collaborative effort between both parties. Employees and the organization as a whole also play a role, but the primary responsibility falls on the leaders and followers.

Question 10

Who solves adaptive challenges?

Accepted Answer

Adaptive challenges are complex issues that require learning, innovation, and new approaches. They cannot be solved by leaders alone or through top-down directives. Instead, they require the involvement and collaboration of both leaders and followers to understand the problem, adapt, and find solutions together.

Question 11

What type of problem is occurring when identification of issues surrounding the problem and solutions to the problem both are unclear?

Accepted Answer

When identification of issues and solutions are both unclear, it indicates that the problem is a complex and multi-faceted issue, requiring an adaptive challenge, which cannot be solved by simply applying technical solutions.

Question 12

Which leader behavior is a prerequisite for the other adaptive leader behaviors?

Accepted Answer

"Get on the balcony" is seen as the first step in adaptive leadership as it involves stepping back from the day-to-day operations and gaining a broader perspective of the situation. Without this step, it may be difficult to identify adaptive challenges, maintain disciplined attention, or regulate distress effectively.

Question 13

I am a leader who has identified an adaptive challenge. What do I need to do now?

Accepted Answer

As the leader, the first step is to focus attention on the problem and establish collaboration between yourself and your followers. This allows for a more thorough understanding of the situation and increases the likelihood of finding a solution that is effective and sustainable in the long-term.

Question 14

My company decides to merge with another to be more financially stable, but in the process it appears best to downsize our current staff. This is an adaptive challenge identified by which archetype?

Accepted Answer

The situation described involves a conflict between the value of maintaining current staff and the commitment to improve financial stability through the merger. This conflict represents competing commitments, which are driving forces that pull individuals or groups in different directions and create resistance to change. Therefore, this situation is an adaptive challenge identified by the Competing Commitments archetype.

Question 15

I am a leader of employees in an auto manufacturing company that just merged with another company after a difficult buyout process. Employees will keep their jobs but will have to learn new systems and work with new people and supervisors, which makes them nervous and anxious about their work. This is an example of

Accepted Answer

This is an adaptive challenge as it requires employees to change their attitudes, values and behaviors to adapt to new systems and work with new people and supervisors. It is not a simple technical challenge that can be resolved with a specific solution or tool, but requires significant personal and organizational transformation.

Question 16

The prescriptive nature of the adaptive leadership approach is found in the

Accepted Answer

The prescriptive nature of the adaptive leadership approach is found in the leader behaviors. Adaptive leaders are expected to engage in specific behaviors, such as recognizing the need for change, framing the issue, and mobilizing others to meet the challenge. These behaviors are prescriptive in nature, meaning they prescribe a certain approach to leadership rather than simply describing it. The other options listed, such as the types of challenges, actions of followers, and response of the organization, are all important factors in the adaptive leadership approach, but they are not prescriptive in the same way that leader behaviors are.

Question 17

Which behavior am I using when I analyze and diagnose a new challenge?

Accepted Answer

Identifying adaptive challenges involves analyzing and diagnosing a new challenge. It involves understanding the root of the problem and developing solutions that require changes in attitudes, behaviors, and cultures. This behavior is essential in leadership and problem-solving.

Question 18

There are how many leader behaviors in the adaptive model?

Accepted Answer

The answer of There are how many leader behaviors in...

Question 19

I focus on the big picture and observe the problems as a whole but always stay fully engaged in the challenge with our employees. This is an example of which adaptive leader behavior?

Accepted Answer

"Get on the balcony" is the behavior of stepping back and observing the situation as a whole, while still remaining fully engaged in the challenge with employees. It involves keeping the big picture in mind while also staying connected to the details of the situation.

Question 20

A football team decides to completely restructure its offense and use many different players in the process. The players, coaches, and even the fans could have a hard time figuring out the new system and implementing this completely new structure. This is an example of

Accepted Answer

This situation is a combination of a technical and adaptive challenge. The technical aspect involves learning new plays, positions, or strategies, which are specific, teachable skills. The adaptive challenge comes from the need for players, coaches, and fans to adjust to a new system and possibly new roles, requiring changes in attitudes, values, or habits.

Quiz 11: Adaptive Leadership