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Leading in Paradox: An introduction to polarities
Dr Cheryl Doig
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Leading in Paradox: An introduction to polaritiesWe live in increasingly complex times. Such times require leaders to be adaptive and flexible, to accept that there may not be a ‘right’, ‘wrong’, or ‘single’ answer, and to be comfortable with uncertainty.
Adaptive leaders are able to:• differentiate between a problem to be solved and a polarity to be managed;• adapt their leadership to the context;• explore and synthesise connections;• probe, sense and and respond based on skills of listening, inquiring and
challenging own assumptions;• connect and engage;• undertake retrospective analysis of blind spots and connections missed;• unlearn, learn and relearn.
Managing polarities is imperative to leading change in the future. These slides are designed to start the conversation.
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“The nature of paradox, turning things on their head, flipping ideas upside-down—and knowing how to reconcile and ride the tension of opposites—is at the heart of leadership and indeed life.”
3Sir Paul Callaghan
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The language of polarities
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Polarities
• have interdependent alternatives
• tend to be ongoing and oscillate
• have no definitive end point to solving the problem
• since they are not solvable, they have to be managed
• require ‘and-both’ thinking
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Problems
• independent • can be
solved• have a
definite end point
• don’t re-occur over time
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Examples of polarities • cost & quality• individual & team• planning & action• idealistic & pragmatic• action & reflection• stability & change• centralised &
decentralised• internal & external focus• customise & standardise• task & relationship
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• freedom & accountability
• short term & long term• flexibility & structure• work & home• controlling &
participative• individual & collective• effective & efficient• activity & rest• mission & margin• rational & intuitive
Interdependent pairs
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The polarity test
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Is the difficulty ongoing?
Are the two poles interdependent?http://www.flickr.com/photos/16230215@N08/5300354275/
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Getting started:List any recurring issues in your organisation.Review the slides on problems and polarities. Identify a polarity to be managed.
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Polarity mapping is a powerful tool
for helping
leadership to cope with
this complexity
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If you are interested in exploring practical strategies for polarity mapping, adaptive leadership, complexity and futurescaping
your organisation please contact us.
www.thinkbeyond.co.nz/contact