The Paradox of Yet: Leading with Duality, Rising Beyond Polarity

Over the last few weeks I have had the privilege to work closely with a number of leadership teams who are guiding their teams to launch into the work of 2025. Across all these organisations I have witnessed a brilliant balance of head and heart – focussing not only on the results they are after, but the quality relationships that will support them all to get there. They see them as a critical duality, not sitting in polarity, where one is at the detriment of the other.

In leadership, we often feel the pull between seemingly opposing forces—being decisive yet inclusive, courageous yet vulnerable, strategic yet people-focused. The paradox of leadership is not about choosing one over the other, but about balancing and mixing both, moving fluidly as the context demands.

In my book Ferocious Warmth (2021) I call this the “Paradox of Yet”. Leadership is not a linear journey; it is an ongoing dance between contrasting qualities that, when harnessed together, create a powerful and authentic approach.

 

Dancing with Paradox

At the heart of Ferocious Warmth is the idea that great leaders embrace contradictions rather than resist them. The image with the infinity loop, where leadership moves fluidly between logic and emotion, authority and collaboration, challenge and support.

Here are just a few of the paradoxes leaders must navigate daily:

🔹 Explicit, yet empowering – Clear expectations inspire autonomy. Knowing when to increase clarity and expectations, or when to let go and allow others to take flight.

🔹 Strategic, yet people-focused – A vision that includes the people who bring it to life.

🔹 Compassionate, yet with high expectations – Caring for people doesn’t mean lowering standards.

🔹 Courageous, yet vulnerable – Strength is knowing when to ask for help. Any time we are stepping into vulnerability with others we are showing strength.

🔹 Focussed, yet open to ambiguity – Staying adaptable in a rapidly changing world.

 

Beyond Either/Or Thinking

The magic of the “yet” is that it allows us to step beyond binary thinking. Instead of feeling torn between two extremes, we can ask ourselves:

💡 How can I hold both accountability and compassion?
💡 How do I lead decisively while still listening deeply?
💡 How do I inspire confidence while acknowledging uncertainty?
💡Where do I need to balance the head and heart more effectively?

By embracing the “yet,” we cultivate realist optimism—acknowledging challenges while remaining hopeful and adaptable. Creating a vision with others, and stepping forward together as a collective.

Leading with Ferocious Warmth

Ferocious Warmth leaders inspire trust, foster innovation, and create environments where people thrive. They know that leadership is not about having all the answers, but about holding space for possibility.

As you reflect on your own leadership, ask yourself:

👉 Where do you feel stuck in an “either/or” mindset?

👉 How can you bring more balance between head and heart?

👉 What is one way you can embrace the “yet” today?

How do you navigate paradox in your leadership?

Love you to share your thoughts!

Here’s to a year that steps into the duality of leadership.