Corporate leadership training
Adaptive Leadership Training Course in Vietnam
Help leaders find a way through problems with no known solution: tell whether a challenge needs a technical fix or a change in people, see the situation whole, lead people with different motivations through change and learn by trial, through practical, hands-on training.
- In-person, virtual
or blended - Customised for
your organisation - Delivered worldwide,
including Vietnam - For public, business
and community leaders
Course overview
What Is Adaptive Leadership?
Adaptive leadership is the art of helping people face problems that cannot be solved by expert know-how alone, because the solution requires them to rethink their behaviour, priorities or values. The course develops how to diagnose these problems, lead across cultures and competing values, manage conflict and tension, decide under pressure and uncertainty and learn through experimentation.
Interactive simulations, case studies and peer collaboration let participants diagnose real challenges, mediate between parties and try out small changes, in the fast-changing, connected conditions leaders in Vietnam face.
Built for leaders in Vietnam facing rapid technological change, global connectivity and unpredictable economic shifts, the course helps seasoned executives and rising stars build resilience, innovation and strategic foresight, harness diversity as a source of new ideas and lead with empathy and integrity.
Why it matters
Why Adaptive Leadership Matters in Vietnam
Technological advances, global connections and unpredictable economic shifts shape business in Vietnam. Leaders who anticipate change, respond decisively to crises and keep learning help their organisations achieve sustainable growth.
Conditions keep shifting
Technology and economic shifts can unsettle even the best-laid plans.
Old answers fall short
When progress depends on people changing their behaviour, procedure alone will not deliver it.
Diversity needs bridges
Diversity becomes a source of innovation when leaders bring different groups together.
Resilience sustains progress
Adaptive leaders help organisations in Vietnam turn adversity into growth.
The Knowles leadership approach
From Insight to Impact
The course is built on the cycle adaptive leaders go through time after time, from observing what is really happening to learning from each attempt, so participants can adjust as circumstances change rather than rely on one fixed plan.
Adaptive leadership in action
- 1. ObserveWhat is really going on?
- 2. DiagnoseTechnical or adaptive?
- 3. InterpretWhat explains the pattern?
- 4. EngageWho must do the work?
- 5. ExperimentWhat can we try?
- 6. ReflectWhat did we learn?
Key benefits
Why Organisations Choose This Course
This programme helps your leaders and your organisation to:
The Right Fix
Leaders match their response to the kind of problem they face.
Shared Ownership
People closest to an issue take ownership of solving it.
Constructive Disagreement
Disagreements surface early and are worked through with empathy.
Bridges Across Groups
Coalitions that turn diverse perspectives into new ideas.
Faster Learning
Small experiments reveal what works before resources are committed.
Resilient Leaders
Leaders who manage stress and keep adapting through adversity.
Have questions about this course?
Our team is happy to help. Send us a message and we will get back to you within one business day.
Course curriculum
A practical and structured learning journey.
The curriculum’s 12 units fall into three stages: understanding an adaptive challenge, mobilising people to meet it, and adapting in practice.
- Unit 1
Adaptive Challenges
- Distinguish technical fixes from challenges that require people to change.
- Accept when expert advice alone will not resolve an issue.
- Identify what has to be learned or let go.
- Unit 2
The Balcony View
- Rise above daily activity to see the bigger patterns.
- Consider your own role in what is unfolding.
- Move between observing and acting in the moment.
- Unit 3
Cultural Intelligence
- Understand how values, culture and tradition affect behaviour.
- Ask people in the community what they see and need.
- Lead in ways that respect different cultural settings.
- Unit 4
Competing Values
- Look beneath resistance for the loyalties and values at stake.
- Recognise what people give up when change arrives.
- Keep the work moving while respecting other views.
- Unit 5
Productive Tension
- Keep enough tension for change without overwhelming people.
- Hold difficult conversations in a safe setting.
- Pace change so it can be absorbed.
- Unit 6
Inclusive Coalitions
- Bring together stakeholders with different interests.
- Include voices that are often unheard.
- Find the common ground that holds an alliance together.
- Unit 7
Mediating Conflict
- Navigate sensitive power dynamics with care.
- Mediate disputes by focusing on underlying needs.
- Help people rebuild relationships once conflict ends.
- Unit 8
Giving Work Back
- Step back instead of taking every problem on yourself.
- Return challenges to those whose behaviour has to shift.
- Coach and mentor people as they take responsibility.
- Unit 9
Adaptive Decisions
- Make rapid decisions under pressure and revisit them as you learn.
- Favour reversible actions when the outlook is unclear.
- Explain decisions with integrity, including what is unknown.
- Unit 10
Small Experiments
- Turn ideas into small, inexpensive tests.
- Innovate with limited resources in difficult times.
- Build on successes and stop what fails.
- Unit 11
Holding Steady
- Manage stress and stay resilient through long uncertainty.
- Develop contingency plans for probable shocks.
- Respond decisively when a crisis strikes.
- Unit 12
Learning Loops
- Reassess your approach as circumstances change.
- Use feedback and reflection to improve as a leader.
- Encourage lifelong learning across your team.
Course agenda
Two-day course agenda.
A sample agenda showing how the two days run, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The final agenda is agreed with you.
Welcome, objectives and introductions
Adaptive challenges
Morning break
The balcony view
Lunch
Cultural intelligence
Competing values
Afternoon break
Productive tension
Day one reflection
Close
Recap and goals for the day
Inclusive coalitions
Morning break
Mediating conflict
Lunch
Giving work back
Adaptive decisions and small experiments
Afternoon break
Holding steady
Learning loops and action planning
Close
Participant resources
What participants receive.
A practical set of resources to support learning during the course and application afterwards.
Course Workbook
Content, summaries and activities for every unit.
Templates and Worksheets
Ready-to-use tools to apply learning at work.
Action Plan Template
Turn learning into clear next steps.
Job Aids and Quick Guides
Key models, checklists and frameworks for daily use.
Digital Resources
Additional materials to revisit after the course.
Certificate of Completion
Recognition of the training completed.
Practical application
From theory to real workplace impact.
Participants put each concept into practice with interactive simulations: diagnosing a complex challenge, mediating a dispute and adapting to a scenario that keeps changing, as leaders in Vietnam do.
Challenge Diagnosis
Untangle which parts of a live issue need expertise and which need change.
Mediation Practice
Mediate between groups whose interests conflict.
Shifting Scenario
Steer a team through a situation that keeps evolving.
Experiment Design
Plan a low-risk trial of a new approach.
Who should attend
Designed for leaders facing complex change.
Suited to seasoned executives and rising stars in any sector, and to public and community leaders, who face complex challenges in a fast-paced, connected world that no single plan or expert can solve.
- Government OfficialsHelp public institutions adapt to change.
- PolicymakersShape policy for shifting, complex challenges.
- Community LeadersUnite people across different communities.
- Civil SocietyMobilise collective action for change.
- Business LeadersFind opportunity amid economic shifts.
- EntrepreneursKeep new ventures responsive as they grow.
Course format and delivery
Flexible options to suit your organisation.
Choose the format and duration that fit your schedule and learning needs, whether at your workplace in Vietnam, online or a mix of both.
In-Person Training
Delivered at your organisation in Vietnam or at a suitable venue.
Virtual Training
Interactive, engaging live online delivery.
Blended Learning
A combination of in-person and virtual sessions.
Customised Training
Tailor case studies, organisation focus, delivery mode, modules and duration. Explore Customized Training
- Typical Duration2 Full Days9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Also available as a 1-day, half-day, 90-minute or 60-minute session.
Prerequisites
Prerequisites and experience level.
No prior experience is required. The course suits current and aspiring leaders alike and works well for mixed groups from different sectors.
No formal prerequisites
Open to anyone who leads, or will lead, through complex change.
All experience levels
From emerging leaders to senior officials and executives.
Designed for mixed groups
Public, community and business leaders learn together.
Ready to take part
Bring a challenge you have not yet been able to solve.
Course framework
A structured approach to developing leaders.
Learning runs in a cycle: participants make sense of adaptive challenges, practise the tools with peers, reflect on the results and then use them on a real problem from work.
Practical and Actionable
Tools to apply to your own challenges right away.
Relevant to Vietnam
Built around the changing conditions leaders in Vietnam face.
Learning by Adapting
Feedback, reflection and adjustment at every step.
The adaptive leadership cycle
- 1. LearnCore leadership principles
- 2. ExploreCase studies and discussion
- 3. PractiseRole-plays and simulations
- 4. ReflectSelf-assessment and journaling
- 5. ApplyReal-world projects
- 6. GrowMentoring and peer support
Key learning outcomes
From knowledge to lasting leadership impact.
By the end of this programme, participants will be able to:
- 01
Diagnose challenges
Recognise when a problem calls for changed behaviour, not just expertise.
- 02
See the bigger picture
Step back to see the patterns, power and values at work.
- 03
Work across cultures
Lead with empathy across different values and traditions.
- 04
Mediate conflict
Help people in dispute find an agreement that works.
- 05
Run experiments
Try new ideas through cheap, low-risk pilots.
- 06
Stay resilient
Stay steady through crises and continue to adapt.
Adaptive leadership means guiding people to answers that do not yet exist.
Example exercises and tools
Learn by doing.
Practical exercises and tools are applied to an unresolved challenge drawn from each participant’s own work.
Interactive simulations and case studies reflect situations leaders in Vietnam may face, from responding decisively when an economic shift hits the business to keeping a team that works across virtual and in-person settings aligned through change. Participants practise deciding under pressure, coaching colleagues through setbacks and tailoring messages to different stakeholders, and leave with a plan for a challenge of their own.
Balcony Notes
Write down your observations before you act.
Loss Mapping
List the losses each group fears a change will bring.
Contingency Plan
Decide now how you would handle the disruptions you expect.
Learning Log
Keep track of every test and its lessons.
Assessment
Assessment and learning progress.
A mix of steps before, during and after the programme keeps learning relevant and turns it into action.
Before the training
Share your goals and team context.
Agree the objectives and focus areas.
Confirm the format, timing and group.
During the training
Role-plays, simulations and practical exercises.
Feedback from experienced leaders as skills develop.
Group discussion and reflection.
After the training
A personal action plan for the workplace.
Self-assessment and guided journaling to track progress.
Ongoing learning through peers, mentors and the alumni network.
Workplace application
Relevant to your context.
Participants apply the tools in organisations and communities across Vietnam, from responding to an economic shift to bringing diverse teams together around a change.
- Policy ChangesIntroduce change at a manageable pace.
- Community DialogueStart dialogue between different groups.
- New StructuresHelp people adopt new ways of working.
- Market ShiftsRespond to economic and market shifts.
- DisputesBring rival parties back to working together.
- Contingency PlanningPrepare for probable shocks.
Let’s discuss your requirements
Request a Customised Leadership Programme.
Talk to our team about how this course can be tailored for your organisation in Vietnam or other locations worldwide.
- Share your priorities
- Receive a tailored proposal
- Explore delivery options
Adapting for Vietnam
Adapting the programme for Vietnamese organisations.
We tailor the course so it reflects your people, your sector and the context you work in.
Local case studies
Examples and case studies drawn from leaders in Vietnam.
Cultural awareness
Content that respects cultural nuances and builds inclusive environments.
Community focus
Projects that address real local and community issues.
Industry and organisation focus
Examples, terminology and scenarios from your sector.
Delivery worldwide
Flexible delivery across Vietnam and worldwide.
We deliver this programme in Vietnam and in other locations worldwide, with flexible formats and options to suit your organisation.
- In-person
- Virtual
- Blended
At Your Workplace
In-house sessions at your office in Vietnam.
A Venue You Choose
Delivered at a training venue that suits your team.
Live Online
Interactive virtual sessions wherever your people are.
Across Countries
Programmes coordinated across several locations worldwide.
Client experiences
What our participants say.
Word-for-word feedback from participants at organisations in Singapore. Read all reviews
The course allowed me to identify the area where errors could occur and the various steps to identify and reduce the errors. Case studies were also provided to give a real-life experience instead of theoretical lessons.
Yes, because it helped me learn the basics of critical thinking to generate new ideas, analyze articles, and make arguments.
The most useful aspects were learning about active listening, empathy, and adopting a growth mindset. The case studies and brainstorming sessions provided practical ideas for managing remote and hybrid teams, building rapport, and leading effectively.
Yes, I definitely would. The program teaches you exactly how to approach closing deals and handle tough discussions with confidence.
Yes, the strategic frameworks shared are highly practical and worth learning for career growth.
Yes, I would recommend it. Gaining a clear framework on communication styles is highly useful for de-escalating tough client situations
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this course.
What is the main focus of this course?
It equips leaders to handle complex challenges: diagnosing adaptive problems, cultural awareness, managing conflict, deciding under pressure, experimenting and building resilience, with situations drawn from Vietnam.
What topics does the course cover?
Twelve units in three stages: seeing the challenge (adaptive challenges, the balcony view, cultural intelligence, competing values), mobilising people (productive tension, inclusive coalitions, mediating conflict, giving work back) and adapting in practice (adaptive decisions, small experiments, holding steady and learning loops).
Who should attend this course?
Seasoned executives, rising stars and public and community leaders who need to lead people through complex change and uncertainty.
Is the course suitable for new or first-time leaders?
Yes. Rising stars gain an approach for complex problems early in their careers, and experienced leaders refresh how they respond to change.
Is the course practical or theory-based?
Practical throughout. Interactive simulations, case studies and peer collaboration let participants diagnose challenges and adjust as situations evolve.
How long is the course?
The standard course runs over 2 full days, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It can also be delivered as a 1-day, half-day, 90-minute or 60-minute session.
Can the course be customised for our organisation?
Yes. We can adapt the content, examples and format to your goals, industry and team. See Customized Corporate Training for how we tailor programmes.
Can we use examples from our own industry?
Yes. We design and deliver our courses with subject matter experts in each field. Tell us about your industry, context and terminology when you enquire, and it will be taken into account.
Can we combine this course with other topics?
Yes. We can combine related topics into one programme or build a learning pathway across several sessions and levels.
Is this course available outside Vietnam?
Yes. We deliver this programme in other countries worldwide, in person or live online, and can coordinate it across several locations.
What delivery options are available?
In person at your workplace or a venue you choose, live online, or a blend of both.
What kind of exercises and activities are included?
Diagnosing a real challenge, a mediation role-play, an evolving scenario, designing a trial, balcony notes, a loss map, a contingency plan and a learning log, with peer feedback.
Do participants receive mentoring during the course?
Yes. Participants receive mentorship and constructive feedback from experienced leaders throughout the course.
Will participants build a professional network?
Yes. Participants connect with fellow participants, build mentoring relationships with facilitators and guest speakers, and can join an alumni network for ongoing learning.
How does the course support personal growth?
Through regular self-assessment and reflection, guided journaling to track progress and set goals, and techniques for mindfulness and stress management.
Is the course relevant to the Vietnamese context?
Yes. It is designed for leaders in Vietnam, with simulations and case studies on technological change, economic shifts and leading diverse teams in a connected world.
Which cities in Vietnam can the course be delivered in?
We can deliver it in cities across Vietnam, including Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Hai Phong, Da Nang, Can Tho, Bien Hoa and Hue, and other cities on request. We also offer a full range of leadership courses in Vietnam.
Can we download a course brochure?
Yes. Download our course brochure for an overview of our training programmes.
How do we request a proposal?
Share your goals and requirements through the enquiry form on this page. Our team replies within one business day with suggestions and a tailored proposal.
Who can we contact about this course?
Email [email protected], call +65 6714 6663 or use the enquiry form on this page. We reply within one business day.
Next steps
From enquiry to delivery.
A simple, transparent process from your first message to the training day.
- 1
Enquiry
Share your training needs and priorities.
- 2
Consultation
We discuss and refine the scope with you.
- 3
Proposal
Receive a tailored proposal with delivery options.
- 4
Confirm
Review, adjust and agree the details.
- 5
Delivery
We deliver the programme for your team.
Get in touch
Get in touch about this course.
Tell us about your team and goals, and we will recommend the right format for your organisation in Vietnam. Fill in the form or contact our team directly.
- Email us[email protected]
- Call us+65 6714 6663
- Quick replyWe get back to you within one business day.
- Ask before you commitTalk to our team about the right course and format for your needs.
This course is customisable
We can tailor the content, examples and activities to your team’s industry, goals and workplace context. Explore Customized Training
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