Navigating Paradox

Embrace “and” thinking.

Paradoxes and change leadership are intrinsically connected, primarily because leading change often involves managing seemingly contradictory or conflicting situations. Like the many facets of a cut gem, there are multiple dimensions to complex issues and problems when leading change. When encountering a paradox, we must step back to get a broader view of the various facets. Each facet reflects one particular element of the issue. These contradictions work when we focus on "and/also" thinking rather than "either/or" constraints.

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What is a paradox?

Paradoxes present seemingly contradictory truths or realities that challenge logic, even when based on reasonable ideas. It's like having two opposite things simultaneously be true, which can be confusing or illogical. In the context of leadership, paradoxes often arise when conflicting demands or pressures must be balanced, and they require a sophisticated approach to navigate effectively. Navigating contradiction is a valuable skill that enables you to deal with complexity and ambiguity thoughtfully and productively.

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Why is understanding and navigating paradox crucial in change leadership?

The ability to effectively navigate paradoxes is about more than just managing contradictions. It's about using them as a source of strength and innovation in the change process. Cultivating your skill in recognizing and navigating paradox will enhance your ability to handle the complexities and uncertainties of change, foster a more adaptable and resilient organization, and make decisions well-suited to the nuanced realities of leading change.

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How do you learn how to navigate paradox effectively?

Developing the skill to navigate paradoxes effectively is a journey of expanding your thinking, embracing complexity, and being comfortable with uncertainty. It's a crucial competency in today's rapidly changing and often contradictory world. Here are some suggestions to practice when you see a paradox:

• Consider that there may be a piece of information you don’t have that would explain it. If you focus on one side or the other of the contradiction as “true,” you may fall into narrow thinking that contributes to conflict and confrontation.
• Encourage curiosity and be willing to explore various viewpoints without immediately judging or dismissing them.
• Be open to learning (and unlearning) to take you out of your comfort zone and create the space to think in new ways (also a paradox).
• Activate the "and/also" technique, particularly when navigating paradoxes and dealing with complex, multifaceted issues. This approach is grounded in embracing both sides of a paradox, contradiction, or duality rather than choosing one over the other.

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Helpful Tip

These approaches require openness, active listening, compassion, and the ability to simultaneously hold and explore multiple perspectives. They are powerful approaches for leaders who deal with complex, dynamic situations and seek to find balanced, inclusive, and effective solutions.

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