Whether you’re a new or seasoned leader, it’s universal to experience the challenges that come with balancing competing demands and priorities of an organization. In this episode of Coaching Through Stories, Dr. Eric Bean takes listeners through the art of balancing support and challenge as a leader. He explores the importance of adaptability, focusing on the mental flexibility required to navigate leadership’s paradoxes like stability or innovation and be nurturing or drive results. Dr. Bean helps leaders understand paradoxical leadership, addresses the challenges that arise, and offers practical strategies to develop both supportive and challenging leadership styles. 

 Listeners will gain valuable tools for building adaptive leadership frameworks, incorporating active listening, and finding creative ways to blend structure with flexibility in their teams. 

Key Takeaways: 

• How to embrace both supportive and challenge to create a more dynamic and responsive leadership approach 

• The three key components of adaptability in leadership 

• Instead of “or” use “and” thinking 

• How to develop mental flexibility and respond to paradoxes in leadership 

• Active listening as the foundation for understanding and supporting your team 

• Balancing short-term goals and long-term vision thinking in leadership decisions 

Highlights: 

• [0:06] The balance between being supportive and challenging   

• [1:36] Three main components of adaptability   

• [2:10] Developing mental flexibility   

• [3:04] The paradox of leadership   

• [3:31] Causes of paradoxical challenges in leadership   

• [5:56] Active listening as a core leadership skill   

• [9:35] Finding creative ways to balance structure and flexibility   

• [12:16] Balancing short-term and long-term thinking 

 Resources:  

Episode #49: Unlocking the Power of Adaptability with Ross Thornley - https://open.spotify.com/episode/6unpfrEdrFHTM2XCB66vFJ?si=EmPWsD2CSfmKZA1XNQF8xg