Polarity management begins with a reframing of our focus from either/or to Both/And—thus bringing in the Right Column focus on Integration. The next step is to recognize the value inherent in each perspective or practice—thus bringing in the Left Column focus on Appreciation. Rather than immediately jumping to the problems and barriers associated with each option (which drives us to the second option), we spend time in the appreciative column seeking better understanding of the merits associated with each option. Only then do we consider the “downside” of this option—and only then do we turn to the other option (once again noting its strengths and then it’s downside).
With this preliminary analysis completed, we shift our attention to what happens when we try to maximize the benefits of either option at the expense of the other option. We search for the rich insights and productive guidance to be found in each option, rather than seeking some simple resolution of the contradiction. There is an important cautionary note to be introduced at this point. Barry Johnson warns that we must not try to maximize the appeal of any one side; rather we must carefully optimize the degree to which we are inclined toward one side or the other as well as the duration of our stay with consideration and enactment of this side. How serious are we about focusing on this one side and how long are we going to sustain this focus?
Optimizing also means that we must find a reasonable and perhaps flexible set-point as we act in favor of one side or another. Finding these acceptable optimum responses and repeatedly redefining them is the key to polarity management. We must be flexible in both our appreciation and our integration of the contradictions. Johnson (1996) has one more important point to make regarding the management of polarities. He identifies the value inherent in setting up an alarm system as a safeguard against overshooting either side of the polarity. It would be prudent to build in an alarm system that warns us when we may be trying to maximize one side and are on the verge of triggering the negative reactions coming from the other side. As in the case of turbulence, we must seek both balance and forethought in the midst of addressing contradictions.
The Search for Consistency
Must we engage the difficult slow-thinking processes advocated by Daniel Kahneman when we are seeking to manage contradictions and polarities? We can instead find consistency and eliminate contradictions by adhering rigidly to a schedule. The same outcomes are produced each time when we engage this schedule. If we have a regimented routine, there are likely to be predictable impacts on other people and our environment. Everyone is relieved. When this routine is highly restricted, then all of the outcomes and impacts are likely to be closely related to one another – and fully consistent with one another. We order the same breakfast at our nearby restaurant and know exactly how this meal will assist digestion and prepare us for a day of routinized work. We are wearing a suit of psychic armor that is made of one metallic material and is without any unnecessary joints or opening that would allow for flexibility, variance inconsistency – or incongruence (Bergquist, 2023a; Bergquist, 2023b).
Consistency is also found in the blocking out of all diverse viewpoints. The club one chooses to join is highly selective. The “other” is never allowed in. Homogeneity is of highest priority and group think is a pre-requisite. We don’t want “no bad news” (to quote from The Wiz a musical remake of the Wizard of Oz). In many instances, this purity of thought and belief is reinforced by a formal or informal “black ball” system. One is admitted to the club only when everyone inside the club agrees to the invitation. Admission to the “inner temple” requires not only a test of shared belief, but also a process of “purification” (or “initiation”). Initiates are required to sacrifice a part of their identity. They endure trials that test their commitment and their willingness to subjugate themselves to the will of those who are already members of the inner temple. Purification ensures consistency. All inconsistencies are scrubbed away. Serenity is assured. However, this is quite a sacrifice to make on behalf of one’s search for consistency. Cognitive and emotional congruity are attained but at the cost of a deeper level of personal integrity.
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