My Journey with Polarities in Leadership: A Personal Reflection on Embracing the Power of Both/And mindset

Throughout my years as a leader, I've learned that the landscape of leadership is ever-evolving, particularly in today's rapidly changing world. One of the most valuable lessons I've gathered during this journey is the importance of embracing polarities – those seemingly opposing values, qualities, or approaches that can coexist and are, in fact, interdependent. Recently, I was exposed to a deep reflection on the importance of polarities in leadership, which prompted me to reevaluate my own approach. My conscious journey with polarities has just begun, but I've noticed that embracing this mindset has already supported some of my most successful achievements. In this reflective article, I will share my personal experiences with polarities in leadership, the challenges I've faced, and the strategies that have helped me grow as a leader.

When I first stepped into a leadership role, I was driven by a traditional mindset that often focused on either/or thinking. I believed that I had to choose one approach over the other, and that making these tough decisions was a hallmark of strong leadership. However, as I continued to face new challenges and observed the complexities of situations, I realised that embracing both sides of a polarity could lead to more effective and resilient outcomes.

My Aha Moment: The Power of Both/And Mindset

My "aha moment" came when I recognized that polarities were not problems to be solved, but rather ongoing dynamics that required my attention and management. I began to see the power of both/and mindset – the idea that seemingly opposite values, qualities, or approaches could coexist and even complement one another. For instance, I realized that striving for innovation and maintaining stability were not mutually exclusive goals, but rather two aspects that required balance for the organization to thrive. By acknowledging and leveraging the strengths of each pole, I could create a more agile and adaptive organization. And I must admit, I am a passionate by innovation and I need people with opposite mindset to support my long term success.

One particularly impactful example of this realization was when I faced the challenge of finding a balance between empowering my team members and providing them with clear direction. Initially, I believed that being an empowering leader meant giving my team full autonomy, allowing them to take ownership of their tasks and responsibilities without interference. However, I noticed that at times, teams struggled with ambiguity and needed more guidance to be successful.

This is when I began to understand the power of both/and. I recognized that I could be both empowering and directive, finding the right balance between granting autonomy and providing clear guidance. By doing so, I'm able to support my team's growth and development while ensuring that they had the necessary direction to achieve their goals.

As my conscious journey with polarities continues, I am committed to honing these skills and embracing the dynamic nature of polarities, knowing that this approach will help me lead my organization for success and support me to be a better person.

Cheers!

Matheus Vieira