Faith & Facts (The Stockdale Paradox)
We have faith in the future we are creating. We know that faith, however, is not blind optimism. We must face the facts so we stay grounded with our confidence.
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.
Rigor & Quality & Nuance (#16)
Quality is assessed of the end result, where rigor is measured of the work. Yet we lack cultural context. To balance these themes the result must allow for nuance. We can operate within the tensions of rigor, quality, and nuance to celebrate strengths from our process and virtue from our creativity.
Precision & Ambiguity
We can rally around an ambitious, often ambiguous, mission — one that lacks the precision necessary for immediate action. Once we've allowed the audacity of ambiguity to affect us we focus our efforts on building a precise plan of action.
Competitive & Cooperative (#14)
We will achieve more if we are pushed by those we trust, who are compelled to improve our solution, who revel the improved product.
Intentional & Lucky (Paradox Pair #13)
We know that through the combination of planning and training we weight randomness towards our favor. We shape our outcomes by being prepared and practicing our craft — being mindful and engaged.
Comprehensive & Simple (#12)
We know our work can, at times, be complicated — yet we do not need to expose these details to the end user.
Rewarding & Accountable (Paradox Pair #11)
Accountability gets a bad rap. Yet accountability is critical to how we function as a team.
Global & Relatable (Paradox Pair #10)
One-size may not fit all, and we should understand where our solution is overly complicated, causes too much friction, or solves the "wrong" problem.
Secure & Flexible (#9)
We work in ways that ensure our assets are protected and we are receptive to challenges and act with urgency.
Curious & Focused (#8)
We believe in endless inquiry and we declare what done looks like.
Experts & Novices (#7)
We take appropriate pride in our know how and we delight in the opportunity to learn.
Deliberative & Decisive (#6)
For technologies and products, the time spent refining the outcome often reduces the work that follows.