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Becoming a Paradox Navigator

Writer's picture: Rashel HughleyRashel Hughley

How to balance contradictions and navigate the paradoxes of leadership in a fast-changing world.




How do you navigate the tensions of leadership?

 

In today's fast-changing world, leadership challenges are less about finding solutions and more about balancing contradictions- paradoxes where two seemingly contradictory things must co-exist

 

Think

  • Collaborating + Competing

  • Stability + Change

  • Slowing Down to Speed Up

  • Client Satisfaction + Employee Engagement

  • Personalized + Scaleable


To be effective, leaders must leverage paradoxes as sources of learning, growth, and competitive advantage.

 

It's less about solving problems and more about navigating paradoxes and harnessing the tension.


Here are a few must-know tips and insights from the Paradox Leadership Theory that will help you navigate leadership paradoxes:


Tip #1 - EMBRACE CONTRADICTIONS

Recognize that paradoxes are inevitable in complex organizational environments.


Rather than avoiding or trying to eliminate these contradictions, embrace them as sources of creativity, innovation, and strategic advantage.



Tip #2 - MANAGE POLARITIES

Understand and articulate the polarities (opposing yet interdependent forces) at play.

Ask
  • What are the benefits of each?

  • What are the risks if you over-index on the individual polarities?



Tip #3 - KEEP BALANCED

Maintain a "dynamic balance" between competing demands and tensions.


Continually adapt to changing circumstances, contexts, and stakeholder expectations while remaining true to core values and strategic objectives.


Tip #4 - Mix it up


Try different blog formats each time. One month, post a day in the life, then try a How-To or a Q&A. There are many templates to help you get started.


Tip #5 - THINK NOW & NEXT

Engage in "strategic ambidexterity" by simultaneously exploring new opportunities and exploiting existing resources and capabilities.


Balance innovation with efficiency, short-term goals with long-term vision, and stability with adaptability.



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