Situations that are not solvable by applying technical solutions. Adaptive challenges are characterized (often) by the fact that they arise in crises, do not respond to previously applied solutions, require multiple parts of a system to respond, allow multiple but often competing perspectives, need multiple teams and/or groups to both define the challenge as well as build solutions, allow experimentation and learning, often cannot be solved in totality but may be improved through solutions applied to parts of a system or systems, etc.. Heifetz et al. (2009) recommend a set of adaptive strategies to influence and positively address adaptive challenges: get on the balcony; identify the adaptive challenge; regulate distress; maintain disciplined attention; give the work back to people; protect voices of leadership from below.

Heifetz, R. A., Grashow, A., & Linsky, M. (2009). The practice of adaptive leadership:Tools and tactics for changing your organization and the world. Boston, MA: Harvard Business Press.