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| A paradox is a statement or situation in which it seems that if one part of it is true, the other part of it cannot be true. |
Over 20
years ago I remember being inspired by Tom Peter’s video on Leadership which highlighted
the importance of a successful leader embracing paradoxes. Today, working on
Wise leadership, I am finding that these paradoxes are invariably at the root
of Wise leadership in today’s workplaces.
Here are
some examples of these paradoxical characteristics that make leadership so
difficult. We accept that a great leader should have passion; but they also
need open-mindedness. Leaders need courage and drive to boldly go forward but
also make sure that there is a level of stability. The best leaders have a
growth mind-set that embraces change but with an equal level of self-acceptance
to be grounded. Individuality must be balanced by interdependence and long term
outcomes by equally important short term results. Today, the integration of
financial and social outcomes has become another critical leadership
requirement. This is not a complete list; you may want to add some of your own.
Balance is
not a very good way to describe these paradoxes. It is important for leaders to
be able to judge when and how to use all of these characteristics in different
situations. An inability to use any one of these at best shows lack of wisdom
and at worst will cause the leader to fail. For instance, knowing when it is
important to encourage the team outcomes (interdependence) rather than focus on
an individual’s results. Focussing too much on either alone over time will lead
to problems long term.
So can
leaders shift between these core opposites according to the needs of each
situation? If they can, will this look like good judgement rather than lack of
consistency or expediency?
Janis Grummitt is the General Manager of Workplace Wisdom Ltd.
www.worklacewisdom.co.nz
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