The Rhythm of Leading Change

Abstract

This article focuses on an interesting type of challenge that can fight against effective leadership in large-scale change efforts. The type of challenge the author refers to is a paradox—alternatives that don’t follow from each other, where both alternatives appear necessary, but where choosing one acts to negate the other. In this article, the author argues that paradoxical circumstances are both common and have predictable effects that act to stall or stop change efforts. He provides two examples of paradoxes from his consulting in a culture change effort and shows how the leader was supported to bridge the gap between paradoxical paths. The author concludes by making several suggestions that will help leaders identify and deal with paradoxical circumstances successfully.