215 How to Make Complexity an Advantage: Interview with Ivo Brughmans

Nov 16, 2024

In our complex world, it often seems that we are surrounded by polarities – opposing views, values, goals, or approaches, such as centralization vs. decentralization, introversion vs. extroversion, or autonomy vs. control. While we may feel compelled to choose one side of a polarity or another, striving to connect the opposing sides may offer a more effective, sustainable approach. 

Ivo Brughmans has been doing practice-based research on paradoxical thinking and leading for the last 15 years, and has written four books on the topic. His latest book is “Paradoxical Leadership: How to Make Complexity an Advantage.” In his work, Ivo develops a “both/and” perspective as a radical alternative to our current way of living, managing, governing, and coaching. He has a deep conviction that this perspective helps create more sustainable solutions to the challenges of the 21st century, providing the fundamentals for a fulfilled and balanced life, for better-performing and more innovative organizations, and for a better world. He gives keynotes, leads workshops and training programs on paradoxical leadership, and works with public and private organizations throughout Europe and around the globe. In Episode 215 of The Mindset Game® podcast, Ivo shares the following:

• Why “either/or” thinking may be particularly risky in today’s world, where polarization often leads to more extreme, disruptive measures and countermeasures
• Why digging deeper and asking questions is often more important than finding answers, particularly when a group collectively engages in a dialogue that involves exploring the different energies underlying polarities
• Tips for leaders on how to effectively navigate change and other situations where members of their teams may hold opposing views

To learn more about Ivo and his work, visit https://paradoxical-leadership.com.

To learn more about The Mindset Game podcast, visit www.TheMindsetGame.com. To subscribe, visit https://apple.co/3oAnR8I.