Leadership drivers during active implementation

During active implementation, a host of different drivers impact how programs and innovations  are put into practice. Leadership drivers in the context of active implementation focuses on leadership approaches related to transforming systems and creating change. While there are many different leadership frameworks and models, we will look at two types of leadership strategies: technical leadership and adaptive leadership. 
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Technical challenges can usually be managed by leaders because the issues can be clearly identified, defined, and assessed. From there, potential solutions can be explored that will best overcome the technical issues. Leadership is involved with choosing the right solutions and implementing them effectively. 

Adaptive challenges require leaders to view the issues from different perspectives and navigate a multistakeholder approach to solutions. Dr. Ron Heifetz, author of The Practice of Adaptive Leadership: Tools and Tactics for Changing your Organization and the World, lists a series of ways to address adaptive challenges:

• Getting on the balcony
• Identifying the adaptive challenge
• Regulating distress
• Maintaining disciplined attention
• Giving the work world back
• Protecting all voices

​Before employing a leadership strategy to overcome challenges, it is critical to properly identify the type of challenge or barrier that is hindering active implementation. Different types of challenges call for different types of leadership strategies.