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# Why the 'paradox mindset' is the key to success
![[calendar-plus.svg]] <small>Apr 09, 2022</small> | ![[calendar-clock.svg]] <small>Jan 03, 2023</small> 🏷️ [[Learning]], [[Leadership MOC|Leadership]]
**Authors:** [[Loizos Heracleous]], [[David Robson]]
**Citation:** Heracleous, L., & Robson, D. (2020, November 11). Why the “paradox mindset” is the key to success. _BBC Worklife_. [https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20201109-why-the-paradox-mindset-is-the-key-to-success](https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20201109-why-the-paradox-mindset-is-the-key-to-success)
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# Abstract ~ 3 Sentence Summary
# Notes & Important Ideas
##### Studies show that a [[paradox mindset]] increases creativity, flexibility and productivity to enhance performance.
- ["] contemplation of apparent contradictions can break down our assumptions, offering us wholly new ways of looking at the problem. ([Heracleous and Robson 2020:2](zotero://open-pdf/library/items/9LLCG9DS?page=2))
##### Examples of paradox mindset in science and arts:
- Einstein's [[relativity theory]]
- physics concept of energy acting simultaneously as both waves and particles
- Eugene O'Neill's play *The Iceman Cometh* in which the character Hickey desires his wife to be both faithful and unfaithful to him at the same time *([note on p.2](zotero://open-pdf/library/items/9LLCG9DS?page=2))*
##### Paradoxical cognition can help average thinkers solve everyday problems and can help organizations enhance their performance.
- Study participants who were asked to consider paradoxical statements perform better on creative thinking tasks.
- Frees the mind to [[think outside the box]]. *([note on p.4](zotero://open-pdf/library/items/9LLCG9DS?page=4))*
##### People who score highly on assessments of a paradox mindset are better able to cope with demands in the midst of [[resource scarcity]].
- Challenge of dealing with limited resources is energizing and inspiring and performance increases under tension. *([note on p.5](zotero://open-pdf/library/items/9LLCG9DS?page=5))*
##### A manager's paradox mindset influences the innovation of the whole team. *([note on p.5](zotero://open-pdf/library/items/9LLCG9DS?page=5))*
##### Take steps to cultivate paradox mindset:
- Make note of any paradoxes you encounter.
- Contemplate paradoxes before you set about solving problems.
- If you're stuck for ideas, look further into the paradoxes that have inspired others.
- Consider the ways you can pursue contradictory goals simultaneously. *([note on p.5](zotero://open-pdf/library/items/9LLCG9DS?page=5))*
# Connections to Other Materials
[[Diversity in dialogue - Wood 1997]]
- [n] [[both-and orientation]]
# Personal Reflection
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# Other References