The Power of Paradox

“Paradox Thinking”

Should you cut costs or invest in growth opportunities? Seek out global expansion or fulfill local potential? The best answer might be “yes.” Paradox thinking – the ability to pursue two contradictory goals at the same time – is an essential skill for ensuring your organization’s long-term viability.

Traditionally, business leaders have viewed decision making as an “either/or” prospect. They believe that analyzing any two options will clarify which choice would garner the most benefits. But every option carries positives and negatives. By favoring one choice, you reap its benefits but you also must accept its drawbacks. For instance, focusing on cost cutting improves the bottom line in the short term, but it also undermines your company’s ability to innovate, which damages your long-term prospects.

Shift your thinking from the either/or model to a “both/and” model. Instead of determining which option is better, balance conflicting needs and goals. This gives you the benefits of both options and minimizes each one’s negative aspects. “If your thinking about your business is truly balanced as you approach issues, challenges and opportunities, ...