Polarity Thinking*

The Power of “Both/And” for Organizations Neesa Sweet 847 266-2677 [email protected]

*Polarity Thinking and Maps c Barry Johnson and Polarity Partners– used by permission

Who Am I?

Neesa Sweet

Braided River Group Helping people and organizations work better together!

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Polarity Thinking Has Been Used

• • • • • • • Business Healthcare Federal Agencies Municipalities Police Departments Military Social Service 3

Why is it Useful?

• • • • Help in dealing with competing priorities A shared language and shorthand for talking about issues and dilemmas A paper and pencil, flipchart or computer based tool to help uncover unconscious and “hidden” factors that influence what we do so we can manage them better Prevent unproductive cycles that waste time, energy and emotion 4

I’m hoping you will leave…

• • • Asking “Is it a problem or a polarity?” Looking for and seeing “pairs” Seeking both/and, and the “best of both” 5

A Natural Force

Discovered by Dr. Barry Johnson 6

We Need to Breathe In AND Breathe Out We Can’t Make a Choice to Do One OR The Other Staying Alive Avoiding Death 7

Two Stories to Illustrate

Task and Relationship Localized and Centralized 8

First Distinguish: Is it a Problem or a Polarity?

• • Problems get “solved” and go away Polarities represent ongoing situations and dilemmas Problems – When should we fix which street?

– Who should be assigned to this task?

– Should we buy this equipment?

Polarities stick around – How can we get people to work in teams?

– How can we improve citizen well-being?

– How can we make faster decisions?

The inability to distinguish between problems and polarities leads to wasted time, money and energy!

Use the right tool!

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What Defines a Polarity?

• • • • • • Two interdependent forces, beliefs or ways of being Both are “good”, neither is “bad” Overemphasis on one to the neglect of the other leads to its “downside” Overemphasis on one to the neglect of the other” leads to oscillation Overemphasis on one to the neglect of the other actually creates what you most fear Polarities NEED each other over time to maintain performance Life Death 10

Why Do We Want to “See” Polarities?

• • Polarity Mapping helps us get the most from our brains so we can create strategies to get the “best of both”.

Our brains work better when we can – – Give something a name Have a sense of control – – See the patterns that affect us Make the invisible visible Prefrontal Cortex (PFC) Limbic System 11

Some Common Polarities Action Mission Be Focused Directive Decisions Build Relationships Task Individual Change Collaboration Creativity Innovation Long Term Values Driven Cost Information Sharing Debate Margin Hang Loose Participative Decisions Get the Job Done Relatinship Community Stability Competition Standardization Tradition Short Term Practicality Driven Quality Information Security 12

Using Polarity Thinking

• If there seems to be a conflict between two valid points of view: – Listen for the content in terms of four quadrants – Draw a simple map about what you’re hearing – See the wisdom in the “resistance” – – Use the map to help others see all the points of view See if you can find a higher purpose and help others see it 13

Map It

Upside Safety Protection Insurance considerations Beyond criticism Protect Resources Downside Restrictive May prevent activity Fosters fear May invite attention Upside Adds to attractiveness of town Take advantage of natural resource Property values Recreation fosters enjoyment, citizenship, safety, good values Enjoy Resources Downside May not see real danger May harm something May cause carelessness May call unwelcome attention 14

Map It: Polarity Map

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Map It: Polarity Map 16

Map It: Polarity Map 17

Map It: Polarity Map 18

Map It: Polarity Map 19

The Polarity Energy Cycle

Infinity Loop Shows Flow 20

Infinity Loop Lets You Track How Polarity is Managed Well Balanced Polarity Ready for the Future Too Much Time in Downsides Falling Behind Unbalanced Polarity Missing Advantages of Change Unbalanced Polarity Will Soon Start to Experience the Downside of Change 21

Polarity Maps Are Flexible Polarity Maps can be used on a flipchart, a piece of paper, a napkin or a computer The power of the maps comes from their ability to surface issues and tensions, to do so in a way that honors the validity of different ways of approaching situations, and that builds in mechanisms for both action and reflection.

Once people understand the concept of polarities—they begin to see interconnected pairs in many facets of their work. They are able to use these insights to clarify and address important issues, to make better decisions and to take more decisive action.

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PACT The Polarity Assessment for Continuity and Transformation Computer Converts Quadrant Content into Survey

Graphic by Margaret Seidler Associates, used by permission

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Stakeholders Answer Survey Questions 24

Computer Collects Open Ended Feedback 25

Computer Converts Survey Answers Back to Original Polarity Maps 26

Resulting Map

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Computer Provides Comparative Management Information Breakdown by questions Unlimited demographic comparisons between groups 28

Report revisits action steps and early warnings based on results

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Thank You

Neesa Sweet [email protected]

847 266-2677 30