Abstract
This chapter explores the concept of relational leadership and its significance in the contemporary context of grand challenges. A relational approach to leadership contrasts with traditional hierarchical models by considering leadership as a social dynamic with systemic outreach as well as by focusing on relational processes rather than on individual leader attributes. It extends beyond the traditional manager-subordinate dyad to recognize leadership as a cocreation of meaning. By encouraging managers in leadership positions to engage in moral reflection and debate, relational leadership supports a more responsible enactment of leadership within organizations, thereby contributing to address complex organizational and system-level challenges. In this chapter, we explore how relational leadership may enhance organizational adaptability to grand challenges by (i) exploring how a relational approach of leadership prioritizes interpersonal relationships and collaborative networks; and by (ii) highlighting the multifaceted contributions of relational leadership for addressing grand challenges.