Leveraging Generative Tensions (Polarities) in Org Design
Every organization is affected by generative tensions or polarities with the power to foster or undermine an organization’s ability to flourish as a living system.
When we effectively address these tensions in our design process, we create conditions for a natural flow that enables connectivity, collaboration, and adaptability. This leads to slow, inefficient processes that hinder progress and rarely produce optimal outcomes.
Sally Breyley-Parker with TimeZero Enterprises led us in an exploration of Generative Tensions, where participants explored:
- polarities as energy systems
- key polarities at play in their own / their client organizations
- mapping how the tensions impact organizations
- identifying high leverage design choices for optimizing flow
- tools for seeing, mapping, and leveraging polarities