Tackling complex problems requires us to work in partnership across sectors. In most cases, each of us brings our own set of priorities (either organisational or individual) that sit alongside the common goal we are trying to achieve. Balancing these priorities or polarities can be tricky – Polarity Management is a tool that can help.
We recently convened another session of our Champions Network, which brought together cross-sector leaders from Dudley, East Sussex, North Yorkshire, St Helens, Wandsworth and Wirral to explore navigating complexities as cross-sector partnerships using Polarity Management to encourage inclusive solutions.
About Polarity Management
Polarity Management recognises and enables the need to balance competing values and priorities when trying to meet a common goal. By doing so, partnerships can have deeper discussions, develop balanced solutions, and navigate the complexities of working together. It encourages a more ‘open-minded approach, where diverse perspectives can thrive’.
Examples of polarities
Quick wins and long-term solutions
The desire for immediate results can lead to a focus solely on quick fixes. Whilst there are likely to be some quick wins, the complexity of the issues being addressed will also require sustained, experimental, long-term efforts:
Proactive strategies and reactive demands
Many organisations struggle to maintain a proactive approach, as responding to urgent needs tends to be more pressing. This tension is prevalent across various sectors, including primary care. Balancing proactive prevention efforts with the necessity of addressing immediate demands is crucial for effective collaboration:
Traditional healthcare models and holistic approaches
As healthcare evolves, there is a shift from a one-size-fits-all approach (which often involves using the same medications for all ailments), towards more integrated, person-centred methods. This change reflects a growing awareness that ‘traditional models do not have all the answers’, acknowledging that the solutions to complex challenges are not solely found within conventional medicine.
How and when to use Polarity Management
To distinguish ‘polarities’ from ‘problems’
The first step is recognising when a challenge is a polarity rather than a simple problem. This involves understanding that competing priorities are often part of partnership work. You can manage these priorities more effectively by bringing them to the forefront and mapping them out as polarities. This approach will lead to better strategies and enable partnerships to adopt a different mindset. For example, recognising the balance between innovation and stability/sustainability allows partnerships to address both simultaneously while understanding their interconnectedness.
To facilitate an ‘open dialogue’
Polarity Management encourages discussions that consider multiple perspectives. By creating an environment where diverse voices are heard, partnerships can better explore the nuances of each polarity, leading to richer insights and collaborative solutions:
To balance competing priorities
This framework helps partnerships acknowledge the interdependence of various goals. For example, balancing immediate results with long-term visions enables partnerships to align their efforts toward shared objectives without losing sight of broader goals.
To explore ‘both sides of issues’
Polarity Management allows partnerships to examine the positives and negatives of different approaches without bias. This balanced exploration leads to more informed decision-making and can enable those involved to think more creatively:
To promote a ‘holistic perspective’
By viewing challenges through a polarity lens, partnerships can avoid jumping to conclusions or solutions and encourage consideration of all aspects of an issue. This integrated approach is essential for developing sustainable outcomes and effective decision-making.
To build stronger relationships
Understanding and managing polarities builds trust and collaboration among diverse stakeholders. By recognising and valuing different perspectives, partners can cultivate stronger, more resilient relationships:
