Neils Bohr coined the complementarity principle in his approach to quantum physics. Bohr explained the need to embrace two different and apparently contradictive views of reality. One is the view that light is made of particles and the other that it is a wave. Particle and Wave views of reality are mathematically contradictive yet both are needed to hold together Quantum Physics.

What is the complementarity principle of leadership?

First, there cannot be effective leading without effective following. The complimentarity of leadership is to embrace the “follower’s perspective” together with the “leader’s perspective”. Like waves and particles the leadership and followship views are mathematically different yet both are needed to create an integral organization that is ready to actualize a vision.

The second facet of the complimentarity principle in leading is “results-driven” and “process-driven” leadership. Here is how it works. The best way to get results is to focus on the process that creates and delivers optimal results. The best way to engineer a process is to hold in mind the results you hope to deliver while you design the process.

Think about a challenging conversation. You want the other person to understand your point of view. That is the result you hope to achieve. The process to get there is more than expressing your viewpoint. Before the other person can understand they must feel understood. To appreciate your viewpoint they need to feel you appreciate theirs. You’ve got to listen before you can be listened to. That is the process of connection that leads to resultant understanding. You as a leader hold the point of complimentarity and integration.

© Aviv Shahar

Aviv Shahar :: Feb.05.2008 :: Leadership, Organizational Development :: No Comments »

Dear Leader,

This KEY explores the most powerful word in the dictionary. Which word is it? Which is the most powerful word in the world? Write down your answer before you read on. Don’t cheat!

What if you knew that this one word can change lives? That your life and the lives of the people around you would be changed with practicing and using this word? What if you knew this one word could make you happier, healthier and richer and that it could transform your relationships?

Here we go. “What are the five most important words for you?” is a question I like asking people. It tells me something about their mindset.

Often people tell me the words that are high on their values and/or goals lists. Words that represent what they aspire for. Their answers (and perhaps yours, too) include these words: Health, Love, Wisdom, Purpose, Peace, Success, Meaning, Inspiration, Confidence, Respect, Intimacy, Trust, Happiness, Leadership, Faith, Humor, God. Each of these words holds a mystery we experience but never fully and completely resolve.

For most people the word that triggers the strongest response is their own name. What’s my proof? You walk down a busy mall and someone shouts out your name in the middle of the crowd, you turn around. The use of your name causes such a response that it is almost impossible to resist. The only other word that gets a stronger reaction in a crowded mall is “fire”. Your name triggers a personal response. “Fire” triggers a reptilian reflex and evokes fear and awe.

This Key is about another word, another mystery. Which then is the most powerful word in the world?
It is a three letter word that carries great meaning and power.

© Aviv Shahar

Aviv Shahar :: Feb.02.2008 :: The Key :: No Comments »