Polarity Management
Running head: POLARITY MANAGEMENT
Polarity Management
Thomas N. Bailey
Kaplan University
GB500
Professor Parson
November 2, 2010
1. Polarities and Polarity Management Polarities are interdependent opposites which function best when both are present to balance with each other. By definition a "problem" is an issue which requires a solution. The goal of a problem is to find a fix to the current situation and move forward to a new reality without being required to ever look back. However, a "polarity" is an issue that needs to be addressed, but the "solution" is not one that can survive independently and will actually still require support from the original issue. “Polarity” can only be managed. A “polarity” is a dilemma or a paradox. In Barry Johnson’s book Polarity Management: Identifying and Managing Unsolvable Problem, he states “that many issues we define as problems to be solved are actually polarities which have interdependence and need to be managed not solve.” In their book Built to Last, James C. Collins and Jerry I. Porras discuss how leaders fall prey to “The Tyranny of the Or”, the belief that one cannot live with two apparently contradictory ideas at the same time. They found that “The Tyranny of the OR pushes people to believe that things must be either A OR B, but not both. Instead of being oppressed by the Tyranny of OR, highly visionary companies liberate themselves with the Genius of the AND the ability embrace both extremes of a number of dimensions at the same time. Instead of choosing between A B, they figure out a way to have both A AND B.” Polarity management is a useful tool for recognizing, understanding, and managing complexities which makes the most of polarities to take advantage of positives and reduce negatives; a technique to have both A AND B. It involves moving from focusing on one pole as the problem and the other as the solution (either/or thinking), to valuing both poles (both/and thinking).
Polarity Management
Thomas N. Bailey
Kaplan University
GB500
Professor Parson
November 2, 2010
1. Polarities and Polarity Management Polarities are interdependent opposites which function best when both are present to balance with each other. By definition a "problem" is an issue which requires a solution. The goal of a problem is to find a fix to the current situation and move forward to a new reality without being required to ever look back. However, a "polarity" is an issue that needs to be addressed, but the "solution" is not one that can survive independently and will actually still require support from the original issue. “Polarity” can only be managed. A “polarity” is a dilemma or a paradox. In Barry Johnson’s book Polarity Management: Identifying and Managing Unsolvable Problem, he states “that many issues we define as problems to be solved are actually polarities which have interdependence and need to be managed not solve.” In their book Built to Last, James C. Collins and Jerry I. Porras discuss how leaders fall prey to “The Tyranny of the Or”, the belief that one cannot live with two apparently contradictory ideas at the same time. They found that “The Tyranny of the OR pushes people to believe that things must be either A OR B, but not both. Instead of being oppressed by the Tyranny of OR, highly visionary companies liberate themselves with the Genius of the AND the ability embrace both extremes of a number of dimensions at the same time. Instead of choosing between A B, they figure out a way to have both A AND B.” Polarity management is a useful tool for recognizing, understanding, and managing complexities which makes the most of polarities to take advantage of positives and reduce negatives; a technique to have both A AND B. It involves moving from focusing on one pole as the problem and the other as the solution (either/or thinking), to valuing both poles (both/and thinking).
References: James C. Collins & Jerry I. Porras. (2002). Built to Last: Successful Habits of Visionary Companies (Harper Business Essentials). Michael Welp. Polarity Mapping Worksheet. www.equalvoice.com/polrty_map_wrksht.pdf Barry Johnson & Margaret Seidler. (2005). Building & Sustaining Leadership Greatness through the Power of “AND”! Power Management Associates, 1-6. Barry Johnson. (June 1998). Polarity Management: A Summary Introduction. Power Management Associates, 2-16. George Ambler. (October 25, 2006). How Practicing Leaders Can Manage Paradox, Dilemma and Polarity. http://www.thepracticeofleadership.net/2006/10/15/how-practicing-leaders-can-manage-paradox-dilemma-and-polarity/ ----------------------- Individual Team Downside Upside