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Leaders must regularly make time to step back from their daily work to discern where they need to stop pushing, and where they should persevere, according to a change consultant.

Noting that "if something isn't working, don't do it harder", People of Influence director Michelle Rushton stresses the importance of frequently stepping back from a situation to take stock, particularly when working in uncertain, changeable contexts.

The practice, associated with adaptive leadership, is sometimes likened to moving from a dance floor to a balcony, Rushton says.

"[When] you're down dancing all the time, your ability to make those decisions – 'should we axe this or should we keep pushing?' – you can't make them..."