Barry Johnson, Polarity Management: Identifying and Managing Unsolvable Problems. 2nd edition HRD Press, 1996.
Referenced in: Church Conflict, Navigating Ongoing Unsolvable Tensions – Polarity Management
LifeandLeadership.com Summary
Many problems cannot be solved or laid aside to never occur again. They must be managed as ongoing dynamics. Polarities such as present/future, large gatherings/small groups, traditional/contemporary, stability/change, management/leadership, law/grace, intergenerational/age-segregated, elder-minister teamwork/elder-minister as distinct groups are not solved by choosing one end of the pole over the other exclusively, but by finding a natural rhythm between the two. Johnson demonstrates how this is done. He uses the “inhale/exhale” metaphor to describe the importance of a civil alliance between two groups:
- Crusading forces – those who want things to be different because the organization has migrated too far to one end of the pole.
- Tradition bearers – those who are happy with the way things are, even if it represents an unhealthy imbalance.
He suggests groups must move from “either/or” thinking to “both/and” thinking, and presents excellent strategies for creating discussions among those affected by the problems. Though written for a business context, Polarity Management contains very usable insights for church leaders. I highly recommend this volume. For a good church-based application, see Oswald and Johnson, Managing Polarities in Congregations.
From the Publisher
Some complex problems simply do not have “solutions”. The key to being an effective leader is being able to recognize and manage such problems. Polarity Management presents a unique model and set of principles that will challenge you to look at situations in new ways. Also, included are exercises to strenghten your skills, and case studies to help you begin applying the model to your own unsolvable problems. Polarity Management will increase your ability to distinguish between problems that can be solved and polarities that cannot be solved, and show you how to effectively manage unsolvable problems.
About the Author
For the past 35 years, Barry Johnson has been working to help create organizations that are good places to work, to own, to do business with and to have in the community. In the process he has founded 5 organizations. Barry is regarded as both an effective consultant and leading thinker in the management field. The Polarity Management Map and initial set of principles emerged out of his work in 1975. Since then he has continued to develop the map, principles with a variety of organizations all over the world. Barry’s title Polarity Management is his work with polarities (dilemmas, paradox) and presents a unique model and set of principles based on that will challenge you to look at situations in new ways. Polarity Management is a top selling and widely referenced University level text that is applicable for both higher education and corporate learning.
***For additional information on this resource, including reviews, click the bookstore links. Check the reference at page top or the links below for resource guides on related topics.***
Related Areas
See Other Resources on Church Conflict:
See Resources on Over 100 Areas of Ministry Leadership: