In our rapidly changing and complex world, leadership is no longer just about choosing the "right" traits or strategies. Increasingly, scholars and practitioners alike emphasize the importance of paradox - the ability to hold two seemingly contradictory elements in tension. This is at the heart of Ambidextrous Leadership, as explored by professors Wendy Smith and Marianne Lewis, and is also central to the Harrison Assessments' Paradox Technology. By integrating these concepts, leaders can cultivate a mindset that balances competing demands, harnesses creative tensions, and drives sustainable performance.
In their work, professors Wendy Smith and Marianne Lewis argue that organizations and leaders face contradictions that often appear irreconcilable-think short-term results vs. long-term innovation, stability vs. change, or empathy vs. authority. Their research on Ambidextrous Leadership demonstrates that leaders who hold both sides of these tensions, rather than favoring one over the other, are more successful in meeting complex challenges.
Harrison Assessments is well-known for its advanced "Paradox Technology," developed by Dr. Dan Harrison, which identifies and measures pairs of seemingly contradictory leadership traits. Each of these pairs reveals a "paradox"-two complementary (but potentially conflicting) traits that must be balanced for optimal effectiveness. Just because you have a strong trait does not necessarily make it a strength. It needs to be supported by its paradoxical pair in order to be a true strength.
When a leader overuses or underuses one side of a paradox, they risk falling into unproductive extremes-for instance, becoming overly rigid and punitive or too lenient and permissive. Through Harrison's Paradox graphs, individuals gain insight into how strongly they favor one trait over the other, and how to develop the underused trait to create a balanced, synergistic leadership approach.
Key Features of Harrison Assessments Paradox Technology:
Ambidextrous Leadership thrives when leaders can flexibly engage in both sides of a paradox-similar to how Harrison Assessments guides leaders to identify and develop complementary traits. By merging these two frameworks, leaders can adopt a both/and mindset and take concrete steps to develop their underutilized traits and avoid overusing their dominant ones.
Ambidextrous Leadership requires us to see leadership through a paradox lens-embracing competing demands and turning contradictions into opportunities for innovation. Harrison Assessments' Paradox Technology equips leaders and organizations with the insights and development strategies to thrive amid these tensions. By leveraging the synergy between Ambidextrous Leadership and Harrison's Paradox approach, you can build a leadership culture that is agile, inclusive, and ready to tackle the complex challenges of today's business landscape.
In a time where volatility and uncertainty are the norm, the ability to hold seemingly opposing ideas in productive tension is not just a skill-it's a strategic necessity. Through Harrison's data-driven insights and a both/and leadership mindset, you'll elevate your organization's capacity to adapt, collaborate, and excel in an ever-evolving world.
Ready to explore paradox technology for your leadership team? Contact us for a personalized Harrison Assessment demo.
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