ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces the topic of “exponential” leadership within resilient organizations. The term exponential is used to capture those leadership traits that most contribute to a resilient organization and while filtering out the many other characteristics of a generally successful leader. This entire discussion takes place within the narrative of Baltimore’s Health Care for the Homeless organization as it grappled with the many impacts of COVID. The chapter demonstrates how this organization used the 14 aspects of organizational resilience to overcome many obstacles. The case study also underscores the critical nature of exponential leadership during times of dramatic change and significant complexity. The chapter briefly outlines five key aspects of exponential leadership, namely that such leaders are situational, purposeful, loss-aware, empowering, and caring. The following chapters examine each of the five aspects in more detail.
