This is the fifth in a series on leveraging tensions during this time of the coronavirus. For SixSEED Partners, Covid-19 is a powerful reminder of what already exists in our world which is complex and unpredictable circumstances that can cause much pain and expense unless we learn to take a more systemic view and get comfortable leveraging interdependent tensions. Previously, we covered the paradoxes of:
- Leveraging Facts AND Faith
- Leveraging Staying Present AND Anticipating the Future
- Leveraging Care for Self AND Care for Others
- Leveraging Assuming Responsibility AND Delegating Responsibility
After hours of speaking with our clients who are on the front lines in hospitals or leading medical practices, the tensions we’re highlighting are coming from them—you. We’re asking questions and staying present to your pain points, that, in already demanding circumstances, is taking additional energy that you don’t have to spare. We want to help make this easier for you, while also increasing your capacity to lead others through this pandemic.
Below is a polarity map, which outlines this tension of Taking Ourselves Seriously AND Taking Ourselves Lightly in service to creating a healthy workplace for all. What you’ll notice in the below polarity map that is different from prior maps in the series is an action step that is highlighted in yellow. This is called a “high leverage action step” since it applies to both poles. Intentional design of meeting agenda and space is necessary to leverage a business focus and a lighthearted/ energy-giving focus.
As we’ve spoken to our clients, we see and hear the exhaustion people are feeling as a result of this prolonged pandemic along with the stressors of re-opening elective surgeries while also staying prepared for what could still be a surge in Covid-19 cases. After weeks of being immersed in fourteen- hour days and incident command centers, your “higher-order thinking” can get worn down by the constant energy out. Designing in activities that allow you to laugh and keep a “beyond-Covid” perspective helps to build your resilience for the ongoing demands.
At SixSEED Partners, we are committed to developing leaders who have the capacity to leverage these interdependent tensions that are here to stay. We’ve taken the liberty of adding some action steps and warning signs to this map that you can use immediately with your teams.
If you’d like your own editable polarity map to give yourself the systemic view of the tension you are navigating, or if you have questions about how you might use this information now, complete our contact form and we’ll respond within 1 business day.
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