Polarity

KAPLAN UNIVERSITY

Unit 3

14- September 2010

GB500 BUSINESS PERSPECTIVES

POLARITIES-FINDING BALANCE

INTRODUCTION

Yin and Yang is symbolized by the following image:

The opposites as expressed by the Chinese as Yin and Yang, are often referred to in the western world as a paradox, a dilemma or a polarity. As leaders we are often face most situations as problems to be solved. In these situations we tend to find one solution that we consider as being either the “best” or the “right” way to go. This is because we have been taught that problems can only have one right answer. But, paradoxes or polarities can never be solved, they have to be managed, they require a “both/and” solution! When we try to solve a polarity as we would a problem the results are usually worse.

A polarity is unlike a problem. Polarities many “right” answers which are co-dependent. Some examples of typical polarities that leaders face are:

* cost vs. quality

* individual vs. team

* focus vs. flexibility

* planning vs. action

* action vs. reflection

* effective vs. efficient

* stability vs. change

POLARITIES AND POLARITY MANAGEMENT

A problem solving approach is a natural an important part of leadership. Our education system and organizations reward good problem solving skills. The result is we face most situations with a problem solving orientation, looking for the one right answer. But, not all the situations we face are problems to be solved. Some situations require a new set of tools and a different thinking style. Where leaders go wrong, is that they tend to automatically focus on challenges as problems to be solve. As leaders we need to learn to recognize and identify the difference between problems to solve and polarities to manage.

Once problems are solved they tend to disappear, they do not re-occur over time. There is a definite end point where you can say that the problem is solved. The solution to the problem usually...