Managing Paradox!
06/01/04
Stephen Rhinesmith, author of A Managers Guide to Globalization, knows the importance of paradox: "Managers have been taught for years that their job is to solve problems. But they can't be solved, because they aren't problems. They're paradoxes. A paradox is defined as two conflicting, but necessary ideas or goals. One common example is the paradox between the time spent at work and the time spent with family. Both are important, so people need to find a balance between the two. But the situation can't be solved and forgotten. It must be managed on a regular basis."
Oh how we love to solve problems and be done with them! We love getting closure and experiencing the satisfaction of having a problem behind us. But some things in business are best seen as healthy tensions between opposing forces that are both valuable. Balance means caring enough to make a living and a life. It means valuing past traditions that still work and being open to any change that will make us better. It means caring enough to be tight where we can with our budgets and investing resources where strategic opportunities are available. We must be tough as nails when it comes to accountability while being able to major in support for those who need our support in inventing the future. One must take one's job seriously and oneself lightly! The truth for leaders lies in the balancing of these wonderful tensions. Where is your team out of balance in capitalizing on the winning paradoxes that are involved in the great game of business? Take time to talk with your team about the paradoxes that must be managed in your organization. Keep that healthy tension working for you and your team.
A PAULSON QUOTE OF THE WEEK
"We love getting closure and experiencing the satisfaction of having a problem behind us. But some things in business are best seen as healthy tensions between opposing forces that are both valuable." --Terry Paulson, Ph.D.
MONDAY'S MIRTHFUL MOMENT
Betsey shares in Dr. Ann Weeks’ WEEKS OF FUN # 411 some TRUE 911 Calls! Enjoy and cry at the same time!
Dispatcher: Nine-one-one. What is your emergency?
Caller: I heard what sounded like gunshots coming from the brown house on the corner.
Dispatcher: Do you have an address?
Caller: No, I'm wearing a blouse and slacks, why?
Dispatcher: Nine-one-one. What's the nature of your emergency?
Caller: My wife is pregnant and her contractions are only two minutes apart.
Dispatcher: Is this her first child?
Caller: No, you idiot! This is her husband.
Dispatcher: Nine-one-one.
Caller: I'm having trouble breathing. I'm all out of breath.
Darn...I think I'm going to pass out.
Dispatcher: Sir, where are you calling from?
Caller: I'm at a pay phone. North and Foster. Darn......
Dispatcher: Sir, an ambulance is on the way. Are you an asthmatic?
Caller: No.
Dispatcher: What where you doing before you started having trouble breathing?
Caller: Running from the police.
When you keep your eyes open for mirth, you just may find it! Hope this kicks off your morning and helps get your mood adjusted for the week. Now, get busy MAKING CHANGE WORK and have some fun along the way!...