How To Be A Better Leader Using This One Thing

Good and evil. Light and dark. Old and new.

Duality refers to having two parts, often with opposite meanings, and a situation in which two conflicting ideas or feelings exist at the same time. It's the state of combining two different things. It's also a fantastic way to up your leadership game.

As leaders, we're often asked to choose sides, but solutions and issues are rarely confined to one side. They're complex, messy and human.

With duality, it's about finding value in both components and employing the right balance of each to suit the situation. Its inherent fluidity naturally lends itself to a non-siloed, inclusive and holistic approach.

Said another way, duality in leadership isn't about choosing this OR that; it's about integrating this AND that. The most successful leaders use duality to strike a balance.

But enthusiastically accepting and employing duality may not come naturally to most. Here are a few ways to embrace duality in leadership:

Acknowledge that duality is everywhere.

Duality isn't limited to warring factions or political parties. Everyday business is full of dualities: technical expertise and "soft skills," traditional methods and innovative processes, seasoned employees, and new hires. When you recognize that duality is inherent in nearly everything, you can more easily see the value in each component.

Adopt a growth mindset.

Leaders who have a closed or fixed mindset will have a tough time embracing duality's fluid nature. For them, opinions are set in stone and beliefs unwavering. In contrast, those leaders who adopt a growth mindset open themselves up to new possibilities beyond the status quo, challenging themselves to seek out all sides of an issue.

"Embrace the suck" of vulnerability.

Get comfortable being uncomfortable. Far too many leaders allow fear (of the unknown, of being judged or ridiculed) to dictate their choices rather than stepping into the sometimes vulnerable place of duality. If you can stand in the tension between the two ends of the spectrum, you'll permit others to do the same, creating a culture and environment of openness and collaboration. You'll lead with empathy, which enhances connection and communication and builds trust.

Maintain intellectual humility.

Intellectual humility, or the willingness to recognize that what you think and believe might be wrong, is vital for professionals looking to incorporate duality into their leadership style. If you permit yourself to change your perspective, you'll move away from preconceived notions and consider new possibilities and creative solutions.

Solicit the opinions of those outside your usual circle.

Surrounding yourself with "yes" people may stroke your ego, but it won't help you consider all sides. Are you a data-driven pro who values logic and ROI? Invite an emotionally intelligent leader to coffee and get their take on company issues. When you open yourself up to considering new ideas from unfamiliar sources and engage in discussions with people who don't share your views or background, you'll naturally embrace duality.

This piece was first published on Forbes.com. Find it here, and Amy's other articles here.

---

?Amy Blaschka is a social media ghostwriter who helps leaders craft their stories and communicate and connect better.Contact her if you'd like her help.?

Did you enjoy this article? Follow Amy to have her content delivered directly to your feed.