Turbulent times call for brave new leadership.
Commentary on our new book Provocation as Leadership, in the Australian Financial Review.
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About us
Maxime Fern and Michael Johnstone are at the forefront of taking Adaptive Leadership out of academia and into boardrooms and learning spaces around the world. We are educators, coaches, facilitators, thought leaders, authors and advisors.
We have advised and trained hundreds of senior executives across sectors around the world, and have coached and mentored many prominent leadership development practitioners. Our recent book takes adaptive leadership work one step further by outlining the art and practice of provocative action.
A brief history
We are working and life partners who originally trained as psychologists and systems family therapists before establishing our leadership consulting practice. We partnered with Ron Heifetz and Marty Linsky at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government for 15 years, pioneering the use of its innovative adaptive methodology – Case in Point.
How we work
We use a unique combination of challenging ideas and actions, practical applicable methods, and a deep care for people.
When people are stuck, we recognise that they’re doing the best they know how. It’s our job to constructively collaborate on productive ways of thinking and acting.
We ask hard questions and challenge unproductive ways. We care, support and nurture, but will always ensure that people and organisations have a realistic view of themselves and their challenges. We are expert provocateurs, askers of intriguing questions and stimulators of deep thinking.
Experience and reputation
We understand how people and systems work, what holds them back, and what moves them forward. We use real world insights and proven methods, gained from 30 years acting as leadership advisors.
20+ years
Teaching and consulting on Adaptive Leadership
Harvard
15 years at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government
In Australia
BHP, Opal, Sydney University, the ANU, Australian Treasury, and more
International
Google, Microsoft, Abbott Laboratories, Bank Intesa San Paolo, the Scottish Government and more
Why people work with us, a case study
Following the calamity of the Global Financial Crisis in 2008-2009, we were invited by the executive team of an essential public sector agency to assist them respond to cultural and staffing problems emerging in their business. The six senior leaders were shocked by the results of a staff survey which suggested they were not leading and could only find excuses beyond their own behaviour. The case study discusses our approach.
Provocation as Leadership:
A blue print for people who want to ignite change
“While we know our world’s most wicked challenges lack easy answers, this book will surely sharpen the mind, steady the hands, and embolden the heart of any intrepid changemaker who seeks to tackle them."
Laura Berlind, ED Adaptive Leadership Network, Washington DC
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