Paradoxical Thinking
Chapter 3 - Experiential Growth Method®
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Welcome to the Paradoxical Thinking page
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How to
Embracing Contradictions
Paradoxical thinking encourages embracing contradictions and tensions rather than trying to resolve them into a single "right" answer. This is crucial for navigating the inherent complexities and paradoxes present in many real-world problems.
Avoiding Oversimplification
Paradoxical thinking cautions against oversimplified, binary, or linear thinking. It recognizes that the real world is full of paradoxes that cannot be easily reduced to a simple either/or solution. This mindset is essential for dealing with the nuance and ambiguity of complex problems.
Fostering Adaptability
Paradoxical thinking requires organisations and leaders to be more adaptable, flexible, and creative in problem-solving rather than relying on pre-defined "best practices." This adaptability is crucial for navigating the uncertainty of complex challenges and changing their nature.
Valuing Diverse Perspectives
Paradoxical thinking highlights the importance of encouraging diverse viewpoints, psychological safety, and collaboration to navigate complex, paradoxical situations. Singular, top-down solutions often need to be revised for such problems.
Acknowledging Uncertainty
Paradoxical thinking recognises that knowledge has inherent limits and that uncertainty is unavoidable. It emphasizes humility and a willingness to experiment rather than claiming to have all the answers. This mindset is essential for dealing with the ambiguity of complex problems.
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