The test of first-rate leadership
The test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposed ideas in mind at the same time and still retain the ability to function.
– F. Scott Fitzgerald
This is also the test of first-rate leadership.
An ability to simultaneously hold
The need for
Stability <----------> Dynamism
Short term plans <-> Long term vision
Speeding up <----> Slowing down
Seeking safety <---> Taking risks
Going alone <----> Joining together
Thinking <--------> Feeling
Acting <----------> Reflecting
Doubting <-------> Trusting
Knowing <-------> Learning
We’re at our weakest
Stuck on one side of a continuum
Looking for resolution.
We’re at our strongest
Holding both sides
Seeing resolution for what it is:
A fool’s errand.
Relaxing into the messiness
We find truth
And power.