What approach focuses on adapting and influencing followers in their context?

The adaptive approach is centered on the ability to respond effectively to changes and challenges within the context in which followers operate. It emphasizes flexibility and the capacity to navigate complexities by considering the unique needs and circumstances of individuals or groups. This approach entails understanding the environment and recognizing that different situations may require different leadership strategies.

By focusing on adapting and influencing followers based on their specific contexts, adaptive leadership encourages leaders to be responsive and to support their followers in navigating through uncertainties. This adaptability helps foster resilience and encourages growth, both for the leader and the followers.

In contrast, the other approaches—such as authoritative, transformational, and transactional lead in ways that may not fully incorporate the nuances of a particular context, often focusing instead on fixed structures, visionary motivations, or established rewards and penalties. The adaptive approach's strength lies in its dynamic nature, allowing leaders to effectively engage with followers in a manner that acknowledges and responds to their situational needs.