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Tool: Polarity Map
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If it is a problem you are trying to solve, do not use this process
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When should I use this tool?Many of the issues leaders face are not problems to be solved; they are paradoxes to be balanced. A paradox is a seemingly contradictory situation that is nevertheless true. A paradox contains elements that appear to be mutually exclusive and that appear to operate at the same time. Some leadership problems can be addressed with "either/or" thinking, but paradoxes must be addressed with "both/and" thinking. When you experience that, "damned if I do, damned if I don't" feeling, you have encountered a paradox. Common leadership paradoxes include the following:
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* Focus on the individual; focus on the team
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* Take short term profits; invest in the long term
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* Centralize/decentralize the organization
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* Ensure the success of your department; ensure the success of the company
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The Polarity Map tool is especially helpful in deciding whether the issue to be addressed is a problem to be solved or a paradox to be balanced. Further, this tool is helpful in understanding the nature of the paradox and how to address it. Use this tool when you want
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* To provide an alternative, more successful, approach to dealing with difficult and ambiguous situations
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* To encourage everyone involved to take a broad perspective on difficult situations
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Why is using this tool important?
No matter how convincing your case for change, some people will disagree with your direction or your leadership. Additionally, significant change generally brings with it a number of difficult or ambiguous situations that are troublesome to deal with. When the going gets tough, don’t throw up your hands in despair or defeat. You can use the Polarity Map tool.
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A paradox is not a problem. When you use problem-solving techniques on a paradox, you will probably
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* Revisit issues often and experience little progress
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* Create more problems than you solve
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* Let disappointments turn into character assassinations
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* Eat up huge chunks of time and feel that you are getting nowhere
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* Every leader encounters paradox. Knowing and understanding the cycle of a paradox enables you to curb your use of negative energy and survive.
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Tell me more about this toolThe Polarity Map is uniquely suited for thinking through paradox and seeing the big picture that is behind it. Here are a few important points about paradoxes:
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* Paradoxes exist at the organization, role, and personal levels
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* Paradoxes consist of two opposing perspectives, or polarities.
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* Each of the polarities, at some time (past, present, or future) is both beneficial and problematic.
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* Whenever they have positioned their thinking at either end of a paradox, people are likely to strongly defend the correctness of their opinions.
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