Paradox Pairs

Two ideas that at first seem to be in opposition. A deeper study shows they more often complement each other and provide the natural boundaries and tension necessary for creativity, innovation, and appreciation. In this series I will offer definitions of both words in a paradox pair that when combined establish a harmony where both virtue and dissonance are in balance. Each definition is written as a belief statement or describe ways in which we draw strength and value from the pair.

Paradox Pair #29: Tacking & Course-setting

Paradox Pair #29: Tacking & Course-setting

In our work a straight course is often desired, yet circumstances may require us to take a more indirect route to reach our goal. Tacking doesn't change the end goal, it adjusts our course to get there.

Paradox Pair #28: Legacy & Heritage

Paradox Pair #28: Legacy & Heritage

When the threshold of upkeep, costs, and risk are no longer justified we begin tagging the apparatus as legacy. To avoid being overwhelmed by technical debt, we set an expiration date for the technology choices we are making today.

Constraints & Progress (#27)

Constraints & Progress (#27)

When we have complete freedom we lack the guardrails that keep us focused. With constraints in place, when we are assigned something hard, we find we do rise to the challenge.

Vulnerability & Confidence (Paradox Pair #26)

Vulnerability & Confidence (Paradox Pair #26)

Building confidence means being willing to be vulnerable. Only then can you train your brain to to recognize a new pattern, one where your confidence grows through experience.

Paradox Pair #25: The Listening Paradox

Paradox Pair #25: The Listening Paradox

To listen well, we have to be willing to pause our problem-solving skills, which allows us the space and attention to gather relevant information.

Reconsideration & Judgement (#24)

Reconsideration & Judgement (#24)

When we establish our methods and belief systems we should set an expiration on the choices we make, knowing that in a year’s time or two that revisiting our approach will be worthwhile.

Ephemeral & Long-lasting (Paradox Pair #23)

Ephemeral & Long-lasting (Paradox Pair #23)

Developing a solution is like solving a mystery, adding forensic knowledge with each attempt, exploring clues and assembling a sequence. The solution to our mystery today will be replaced by future ideas, making everything more ephemeral than we initially imagined.

Paradox Pair #22: Novel & Common

Paradox Pair #22: Novel & Common

What was once groundbreaking becomes familiar, that which was newfangled transforms into a standard.

Harder or Smarter: The Improvement Paradox (#21)

Harder or Smarter: The Improvement Paradox (#21)

The Improvement Paradox: To create sustainable capability improvement, current performance first must drop. It's always better to work smarter versus harder.

Teams & Individuals (#20)

Teams & Individuals (#20)

To build a great enterprise we must invest and grow at the individual level. Motivated individuals do better work. When we align on a common goal, a strategic initiative, with a clarity of purpose, we give rise to a sense of belonging. Healthy teams generate a currency of connection.

Trust & Change (#19)

Trust & Change (#19)

We know that without change all things gradually decline toward entropy. Therefore change is required — and we still resist it because our brain interprets it as a threat. Trust provides a focal point, a foundation upon which to erect the necessary agents of change.

Preparation & the Unforeseeable

Preparation & the Unforeseeable

If something is knowable, then the cause of not knowing it is one of preparation. Ironically, the best way to blunt unforeseeable events is also in preparation.