Adaptive Leadership in Educational Practice in the Era of Society 5.0

Today’s school principal lead increasingly complex organizations and work in demanding environments. An essential skill for successful school principal is adaptive leadership. There is still another aspect that is vital to promoting change: the role of the principal and other school leaders. This study aims to determine the extent to which leaders in formal educational institutions are able to implement adaptive leadership in the midst of advances in digital systems in education governance as a feature of society 5.0. In addition, it also examines the extent to which educational institution leaders are able to help stakeholders adapt to an increasingly complex and challenging educational environment to bring about effective change. This type of research uses a qualitative design with an open-ended question and closed-ended question approach. Based on the results of the study it can be concluded that the leaders of educational institutions have shown an adaptive leadership style seen from several indicators, as follows: First, identifying problems in schools involving stakeholders (teachers and school committees) to find the best solutions together; Second, showing empathy and appreciating the performance of all employees and teaching staff; Third, making current breakthroughs according to the learning needs of students; Fourth, transparent and creative governance; and Fifth, the transformation of digital-based learning process services. Thus, to present effective adaptive leadership, communication and collaboration are needed in the midst of an uncertain situation to provide the best educational services for the community.