5.4 Polarity Management
Maps where you are in persistent tensions and manages them dynamically to avoid swinging between extremes. Launch on platform.
What is it?
Polarity Management, developed by Barry Johnson, is a practical decision-making approach for effectively managing chronic, unsolvable dilemmas. Unlike traditional problem-solving, Polarity Management recognises that some issues aren’t problems to solve, but ongoing polarities to balance. It helps leaders clearly identify and manage these competing tensions productively.
Why is it useful?
Applying Polarity Management helps you to:
Navigate complexity clearly: Identify persistent tensions that can’t be permanently resolved but must be continuously balanced. Reduce conflict: Shift discussions from either/or debates to both/and thinking. Enhance decision-making: Clearly recognise interconnected, interdependent choicesto avoid unintended negative outcomes. Sustain organisational balance: Keep systems and teams dynamically stable by managing competing priorities effectively.
How does it work?
The approach operates through a structured sequence:
Identify Polarities
Characteristics: Clearly distinguish issues as polarities rather than solvable problems.
Approach: Recognise tensions that recur over time and resist permanent resolution.
Example: Centralisation vs. decentralisation, stability vs. innovation, short-term results vs. long-term goals.
Map Polarities
Characteristics: Visually represent positive and negative aspects of each pole.
Approach: Clearly identify benefits and downsides of each side, creating shared understanding.
Example: A map outlining the benefits (clarity, control) and downsides (bureaucracy, rigidity) of centralised management.
Assess Polarities
Characteristics: Evaluate the current balance between poles and identify where tensions exist.
Approach: Measure and monitor indicators to assess which pole requires attention.
Example: Employee surveys indicating excessive bureaucracy (too centralised), or lack of clarity (too decentralised).
Actively Manage Polarities
Characteristics: Continuously balance and adjust between poles rather than choosing one pole exclusively.
Approach: Take actions to maintain benefits from both poles while minimising negative impacts.
Example: Establish clear communication channels for decentralised teams while maintaining core centralised oversight for alignment.
Turning Polarity Management into Action
To practically apply Polarity Management:
Clearly communicate: Share and visualise polarities widely to encourage balanced perspectives.
Set measurable indicators: Define metrics indicating when balance shifts and adjustments are needed.
Regularly reassess: Review polarities and adjust dynamically as conditions change.
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