The Paradoxes of Leadership

Leadership is no simple feat. Leading others, whether they're friends, children or co-workers, requires the ability to continuously sit with dilemmas, to face equally important and yet conflicting ideals and still take action. It is, in effect, the ability to face uncomfortable choices that makes good leaders. For leaders it's not a matter of OR, but a matter of AND.

A recent study by CCL and Forrester Research identified five key paradoxes of leadership (the first five). To them I will add five of my own:

Swift AND Mindful: balancing habitual responses with the need for innovation

Individual AND Community: creating ways for individuals to be autonomous without being isolated

Top Down AND Grass Roots: deciding when to use control while also increasing collaboration

Details AND Big Picture: sifting through vast amounts of data while weaving it together so that it's meaningful

Flexible AND Steady: maintaining focus and purpose in the midst of continuous change

Backbone AND Heart: having the courage to make tough decisions while demonstrating a caring attitude toward others.

Urgency AND Patience: acting quickly enough to meet rapidly changing needs yet waiting for the best timing.

Optimism AND Honesty: in times of trouble, being honest in your communications while maintaining a positive attitude

Accountability AND Empowerment: enabling team members to contribute fully while still being accountable for the results of their efforts

Capitalizing on Strengths AND Going Against the Grain: balancing what you already have and do well with a need for creativity.

Do you have others we could add to this list? Let us know.