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Leadership isn’t a paint-by-numbers exercise where every step is predefined, the colours are assigned, and the outcome is predictable. True leaders - like great artists - are about intuition, adaptation, and seeing possibilities beyond the lines. If you know me, and my background in arts, you’ll know I often draw from the creative sector  for reference and inspiration. The best leaders, like the best artists, trust their instincts, learn from their mistakes, and are unafraid to revise when needed. They have the courage to experiment, blend unexpected elements and embrace the messiness of creation. There is no one &quot;right&quot; way to lead. Great leadership isn’t about following a prescribed path. In today’s fast-moving, unpredictable world, the best leaders, like the best artists, know how to read their environment, adjust their approach, and bring their vision to life in a way that creates impact.Adaptive leaders know when to take charge, when to listen, and when to co-create the way forward. At academyEX, we help develop leaders who thrive in this balance and are attune to thinking in nuances, not absolutes.Leadership Is an Art - And Adaptability Is Your Best BrushstrokeSome days, you’re the big-picture visionary, inspiring your team. Other days, you’re rolling up your sleeves and tackling problems head-on. The key is knowing when to switch gears.1. Leading Through Change Means Staying Alert The world isn’t just shifting - it’s in the throes of a full-blown mid-life crisis. AI, automation, evolving workplaces, geopolitical upheaval - change is relentless. As a leader, you can’t afford to rely on the past and familiar. Adaptability is your greatest asset. Some moments call for bold, decisive action; others demand collaboration and deep listening. The best leaders know when to take the wheel - and when to let their team help navigate. 2. Different People, Different Leadership StylesWe’ve all had that one boss who treats everyone the same - no matter what. And let’s be real, it rarely works. Some people thrive on inspiration and big-picture thinking, while others need structure and clear direction. The magic happens when you know when to be the coach, the strategist, or the motivator. That’s real leadership.Right now, my team is small but mighty and made up of people who approach things completely differently. Some thrive on big ideas and love running with a project independently, while others prefer clear direction  and reassurance along the way. If I tried leading them in the same way, it simply wouldn’t work. Instead, I adapt - giving some the space to experiment and grow while providing clarity and structure for others. The result? A more engaged, productive, team delivering great work. It’s a simple shift, but it makes all the difference in how you create the conditions for people to be at their best. 3. Problem-Solving Needs a Flexible MindsetNot every challenge plays by the same rules. A crisis? That needs clear, fast decisions. Want to spark creativity or come up with new solutions for persistent challenges? You’ll need an open, experimental approach and a collaborative space. The strongest leaders are shape-shifters - reading the situation and responding in the way that gets the best results.<h3>How We Build Adaptable Leaders at academyEX</h3>Knowledge isn’t something to be collected and stored. It’s a dynamic process - a way to engage with the world, not just observe it. The ability to lead teams, and to make informed decisions requires a depth of understanding, not just the planning of deliverables. We ensure learning is through doing, and through access to knowledge from the frontier of what is now possible, in a fast changing world.Asking the Right Questions <ul><li>We help teams challenge ideas, rethink old ways, and improve how they work.</li><li>We build skills, knowledge, and smarter decision-making.</li><li>We guide teams to ask the right questions, find the real issues, and create solutions.</li></ul>A Community, Not a Classroom <ul><li>Learning happens through connection, not just lessons.</li><li>We bring together curious, action-driven professionals from all industries through peer-led learning – because some of the best insights come from people who’ve been there before.</li><li>The best answers come from working together.</li></ul>Taking on Big Challenges <ul><li>We don’t avoid tough problems - we tackle them head-on.</li><li>Our programs spark new ideas, real conversations, and ownership of outcomes.</li></ul><ul><li>We do this through scenario-based learning – High-pressure simulations where you have to make the tough calls.</li></ul><h3>The Future of Leadership is About Staying Agile.</h3>I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again - forget about having all the answers - that’s not leadership. Real leadership is knowing what questions to ask and when to change direction. The best leaders don’t just survive uncertainty - they embrace it and grow from it.At academyEX, we’re building leaders who are ready to take on whatever comes next. If that sounds like you, let’s make it happen.

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Leadership isn’t about following a rigid formula - it’s about adaptability, intuition, and creativity. Just like great artists, the best leaders know when to trust their instincts, pivot when needed, and embrace the messiness of innovation. In a fast-changing world, leadership requires flexibility, problem-solving, and the ability to inspire diverse teams.

Leadership isn’t a paint-by-numbers exercise where every step is predefined, the colours are assigned, and the outcome is predictable. But true leaders - like great artists - are about intuition, adaptation, and seeing possibilities beyond the lines.

12 Mar, 2025

The Myth of the Perfect Leadership Style: Why Adaptability Wins

Ana Ivanovic-Tongue

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