The dictionary definition of a paradox is: “A seemingly absurd or self-contradictory statement or proposition that when investigated or explained may prove to be well founded or true.”
When it comes to leadership paradoxes, it means contradictory leadership qualities put together to create synergy of undeniable impact.
Studying leaders that have “it”—the vibe, vision, and the ability to move the needle of accomplishment, all seem to have extreme qualities. It seems that greatness or true effectiveness lies in these leadership extremes.
Where do these patterns of extreme come from? Looking at the life of Jesus, we begin to get the answer. He was full of extremes. Here are a few examples:
He was fully God and yet fully man—extremes
He is the lion and the lamb—extremes
He is the Alpha and Omega—extremes
In a recent leadership podcast, Pastor Craig Groeschel listed eight paradoxes of effective leaders, and I want to share them and then comment on the one I think is very necessary for leaders to possess.
- They are confident yet very humble.
- They are driven yet very healthy.
- They are focused yet very flexible.
- They are optimistic yet very realistic to tell the truth.
- They are very direct yet very kind and empathetic.
- They are empowering yet controlling.
- They lead with urgency yet are patient.
- They are frugal yet swing for the fences.
Let’s look at number four together in this lesson; effective leaders are both optimistic yet realistic to tell the truth.
It was Walt Disney who said; “I always like to look on the optimistic side of life, but I am realistic enough to know that life is a complex matter.”
Why does optimism matter so much in leadership? Fear is the dominant default emotion, but a leader must be optimistic to see what is possible when others don’t see it. Many people are not naturally optimistic.
Effective leaders are realistic enough to identify the problem, but they have trained themselves to see the opportunity in disguise. Why is it so important to be a leader who possesses this dual perspective? We will follow leaders who believe in a better tomorrow. Jesus was the consummate leader. As followers of His, we are assured of a much better future.
God bless,
Roland F. DeRenzo, Ed.D.