Leading in Tension: Why Polarities Are Your Leadership Superpower
Too often in leadership, we approach challenges with a problem-solving mindset: What’s the issue? What’s the fix? How do we get to resolution?
But not everything is a problem to be solved.
Some of the most persistent, complex, and high-stakes challenges leaders face are not problems at all—they’re polarities.
What Are Polarities?
A polarity is a situation where two seemingly opposing forces are both essential and interdependent. Think about inhaling and exhaling—each is necessary, and neither works well in isolation. You don’t solve for one and eliminate the other. You manage the ongoing tension between the two to stay alive.
In organizations, polarities show up everywhere:
- Centralization and decentralization
- Stability and change
- Individual autonomy and team alignment
- Mission focus and financial sustainability
In life, they show up too:
- Work and rest
- Structure and flexibility
- Head and heart
These are not problems with a single correct answer. Instead, they are tensions to navigate, and the goal is not to choose one side but to leverage both—depending on timing, context, and need.
Polarities vs. Problems: A Crucial Distinction
Recognizing whether you’re facing a problem or a polarity can change how you lead. Here’s a simple comparison:
| Polarities | Problems |
| Interdependent opposites that both offer value | A single right—or best—answer exists |
| Ongoing tension with no endpoint | Can be resolved with a clear solution |
| Must be leveraged together over time | Can be fixed or eliminated |
| Neglecting one side creates risk | One side can stand alone |
When we treat polarities like problems, we oversimplify. We choose one pole, neglect the other, and end up swinging back when the costs become too high—often with whiplash. But when
we recognize and map polarities, we can lead with greater wisdom, flexibility, and foresight.
Mapping the Tension
One powerful tool for working with polarities is the polarity map (check out Barry Johnson’s book here). It helps leaders identify:
- The positive results of emphasizing each pole
- The risks of over-focusing on one side
- Early warning signs that the balance is off
- Action steps to stay in healthy tension
By making these dynamics visible, we can build more resilient strategies, inclusive decisions, and adaptive cultures.
A Leadership Reflection
As you look ahead—at your team, your goals, your challenges—ask yourself:
- What tensions am I holding that aren’t meant to be solved, but balanced?
- What would it look like to lead from a place of “and” instead of “or”?
These questions don’t yield quick fixes, but they open the door to enduring insight.