It’s long been recognised that creatives may find it hard to be analytical, and visionaries may not be the best implementers! Notwithstanding, the best leaders in business are multi-dimensional…
In this article, we look at 15 paradoxes that are vital to master in every business.
To succeed and deliver promised results, what sort of multidimensional leaders do we need to be? What do we need to focus on in the business? – and how do we need to approach that?
With F Scott Fitzgerald’s quote in mind (“The test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposed ideas in the mind at the same time, and still retain the ability to function.”), consider a series of leadership paradoxes - opposing leadership behaviours that we know are necessary at different points in time for us to succeed as leaders in our complex world.
The 15 Paradoxes:
Being an Innovator AND an Imitator
Being a Visionary AND Implementer
Being Tough AND Gentle - “a gentleman”, “a gentlewoman”
Being Passionate AND Dispassionate
Thinking Fast AND Slow
Being Action-Orientated AND Reflective
Being Creative AND Analytical
Focusing on Results AND People
Being Structured AND Spontaneous
Being Kind AND Demanding
Thinking in Big-pictures AND Detail
Being Decisive AND Consultative
Being a Coach AND Directive
Being a ‘Strong-man’ AND Inclusive
Being Ambitious AND Realistic
Instead of “either-or”, each paradox contains a set of “yes, and” behaviours. Both behaviours within each paradoxical pair add business value – unless exaggerated.
So let’s explore these 15 paradoxical behaviours over the next few months, one at a time, asking ourselves as we do so: “How can I do both, to maximise the value I add to the business this year?”
Cora Lynn Heimer Rathbone
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