Definition of Paradox: a statement that seems to go against common sense but may still be true.
One thing is certain these days: we live in a complex, uncertain, paradoxical and ambiguous world.
And yet as humans we kinda thrive on simplicity, certainty and clarity.
So it can feel a little bit like your head is being crushed and the air has left your lungs when you’re trying to grapple with multiple complexities, that appear to contradict, but which both (all) may be true. Or false. Or somewhere in between.
Plus we’re conditioned, without really thinking about it, to think in twos. Black or white. Hot or cold. Right or wrong. It keeps things neat and simple and stable for us.
When in reality there is nuance, shading, contradiction and subtlety all around us.
We find ourselves having to hold and assess multiple variables, which may also be changing rapidly, darn it, adding further complexity.
And so, in order not to feel overwhelmed or confused, we need to find ways to navigate through complexity in order to thrive in today’s VUCA world.
One great way is to not feel like you have to do all the thinking and understanding on your own. Asking for help, seeking others’ perspectives, reframing and challenging can all be powerful ways to expand your thinking, challenge assumptions and groupthink, and out your biases.
Another way is to collectively try and clarify through drawing diagrams, logic flows, cause and effect, feedback loops, or mind maps. It’s amazing what a visual representation of a problem or situation can reveal to you when you can all stand back and appreciate the complex interconnections and forces at play in a co-created bigger picture.
There are certain personal leadership behaviours that massively help these approaches:
* Actively and respectfully listening
* Being your most curious
* Letting go of the need to be right or prove someone else wrong
* Having the courage to speak up
* Having the courage to respectfully disagree
* Bringing your most creative, positive self to the party
* Being willing to examine from all angles and perspectives and change your thinking
* Embracing, rather than fearing, paradox, uncertainty, ambiguity and struggle.
It helps to design and agree up front, as a group or team, what behaviours and attitudes would be most helpful, and how you’ll support each other to bring these to life.
Acknowledging your insecurities can also help you to unite when you realise you aren’t alone with your fears, that others have them too.
We are individuals, AND we have each other.
How lucky is that!
