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October 26, 2006
Valuing the polarities (25.10.06)
What are Polarities?
Polarities are interdependent opposites which function best when both are present to balance with each other.
What is Polarity Management?
Some challenges are polarities to manage, rather than problems to solve. Polarity management involves moving from focusing on one pole as the problem and the other as the solution (either/or thinking), to valuing both poles (both/and thinking). Good polarity management gets the best of both poles while avoiding the limits of either.
What is a Polarity Map?
A polarity map identifies the upsides and downsides of each pole, resulting in a whole picture of the polarity to be managed. 
Steps in Creating Polarity Map
- 1. Identify a key polarity. Agree on names for the poles. Write them into the map.
2. Brainstorm together the content for each quadrant.
- 1. Remember that to pursue the benefits of one pole, you must also pursue the benefits of the other pole. The solution is not static.
2. You may want to identify indicators for each pole which will let you know when you are experiencing its downside. Putting feedback mechanisms in place aids in managing the polarity.
- 1. Identify a key polarity. Agree on names for the poles. Write them into the map.
2. Brainstorm together the content for each quadrant. Write this into the map.
Posted by Paul Northup at October 26, 2006 10:58 AM