Embracing paradox to design the future
Contribution from Kara Pecknold
Kara is a designer and sustainability leader working with leading global brands. She helps individuals and organizations consider the requirements for building a world where people and the planet are in balance.
Paradoxes serve as fertile ground for intellectual exploration. Whether in philosophy, science, or everyday life, they challenge our assumptions and stimulate critical thinking. As we grapple with paradoxes, we unravel the complexities of our understanding, gaining insights into the nature of truth, identity, and the fabric of reality itself. Embracing the paradoxes that perplex us, we embark on a journey of intellectual discovery, continually pushing the boundaries of what we thought we knew.
Paradoxes can also be a pain. Their polarizations keep us focused on the black and white to reduce any uncomfortable dips into the shades of gray. The current state of the world (aka polycrisis) reinforces the reality that nothing is as clear cut as we might hope. And yet, could we experience a certain liberation if we can accept that two opposing ideas can exist at the same time and both be true? This may be uncomfortable or frustrating in a world where more and more we see an elevation or dare I say, celebration of these polarizing postures.
The World Economic Forum recently published a report that suggested the top risks over the next two years will include misinformation, disinformation and social polarisation. Extreme weather and pollution are there too but it seems that our greater challenge going forward is not just how we manage the planet as much as it is about how we manage ourselves. And managing us means managing how we live in paradox.
While there is never a simple answer in a complex world, accepting that there are extremes to everything could help us navigate where we find ourselves on a given spectrum. Each are deeper than I have noted here but as much as there are functional changes needed for a survivable future, we also need to navigate the emotional ones. And these might be the bigger and more critical obstacles to overcome.
Photo by Patrick Hendry on Unsplash
Trust vs Skepticism: The main theme of Davos this year was all about rebuilding trust. Easier said than done, right? Building trust takes time, care, attention and intention. We hear people speak of its importance but to actually apply it might be one of the most challenging undertakings. Trust fosters meaningful connections and enables collaboration, allowing individuals to form bonds built on mutual respect and reliance. It facilitates efficient communication and promotes a sense of security, empowering people to engage in relationships and ventures with confidence. On the other hand, skepticism serves as a safeguard against deception and misinformation, encouraging critical thinking and diligent inquiry. It prompts individuals to question assumptions, verify claims, and discern truth from falsehood, thus promoting intellectual rigor and informed decision-making. While trust facilitates cooperation and harmony, skepticism encourages vigilance and discernment, both playing crucial roles in fostering a balanced and resilient society. What would the future of our world look like if we focused on 3–6 people in the form of a ‘leadership accountability squad’ where each could invest time and be given permission to make decisions on both sides of these paradoxes?
Grief vs Joy: I like to consider myself a positive person but if there is one thing I am embracing right now is that it is okay to be sad. To feel loss, to miss someone or something, or to wish for something that used to be. Grief serves as a poignant reminder of the depth of human connection and the value of cherished relationships. It allows individuals to honor the memory of lost loved ones, process emotions, and find solace in shared experiences of loss. Through grief, people can cultivate empathy, resilience, and a deeper appreciation for life’s fleeting moments. The House of Beautiful Business has curated a great glossary to unpack all forms our grief might be taking at this time in history. On the other side, we long for joy with its lightness and vitality, infusing moments with warmth, laughter, and contentment. It fosters a sense of gratitude, enhances well-being, and strengthens social bonds by creating shared moments of celebration and happiness. Both grief and joy contribute to the richness of our human experience, offering opportunities for growth, connection, and profound emotional insight. What would it look like if business or government leaders could openly discuss every action they take as they build teams or communities? A funeral for the loss of a building or park to honour its service to the city? A celebration to honour those who had to be let go instead of a silent exit?
Slow vs Fast: The pace at which we approach life, whether slow or fast, offers distinct advantages that cater to different needs and circumstances. Slow encourages mindfulness and deeper engagement with the present moment, allowing individuals to savor experiences, cultivate patience, and foster a deeper connection with oneself and others. It provides space for reflection, creativity, and introspection, promoting overall well-being and a greater sense of fulfillment. Conversely, fast can stimulate productivity, drive innovation, and facilitate adaptability in rapidly changing environments. It encourages efficiency, agility, and a proactive approach to achieving goals and navigating challenges. While slow living nurtures a sense of tranquility and authenticity, fast living energizes and propels us forward. What if we were to look at business strategies and targets through the lens of nature’s pace? Is our progress on climate challenge requiring a fast mitigation or adaptation or should we also consider that our fast path to growth isn’t the only way?
Humility vs Confidence: To hold a humble posture is an ongoing daily practice in my life. When I think about the people I admire and respect, I’ve noticed they say the words that need to be said and typically are calmly making their way through work and life and inviting others to do the same, but without force. Humility fosters openness to learning, receptivity to feedback, and a genuine appreciation for the contributions of others. It allows individuals to acknowledge their limitations, embrace vulnerability, and cultivate empathy and compassion towards others. By remaining humble, people can maintain a beginner’s mindset, continuously seek improvement, and build authentic connections based on mutual respect. Confidence empowers individuals to trust in their abilities, take risks, and pursue their goals with conviction and determination. It instills resilience in the face of challenges, enables effective leadership, and inspires others through example. What if we required mindfulness training as part of executive targets? What if we allowed leaders to share their fears and concerns without fear of impact to the organization’s position?
Discovery vs Doctrine: The older I get, the more I realize how little I know. When I operate in a discovery posture, it helps me embrace curiosity, open-mindedness, and a willingness to explore and question my established beliefs and ideas. This posture can also foster innovation, creativity, and intellectual growth as it encourages new perspectives, challenges my assumptions, and pushes me to engage in critical inquiry. A doctrine, while often perceived as a negative word, can help us to align to some established beliefs, or ideologies — things that can offer a sense of certainty and security, especially when feeling unmoored in uncertainty. How do we embrace some of the doctrines that have offered us guidance while also holding a mindset of discovery to cultivate a deeper appreciation for complexity, diversity, and nuance, leading to more informed and enriching experiences?
What paradoxes are you pursuing?
