Based on my facilitation experiences w strong polarities present, I have come to see holding paradox, integrating opposites, and transcending polarities as core to cultivating creativity.
Understanding the tensions that emerge when different polarities are in the room allows us to use the tensions to inform—and to form—a large enough creative playing field for participants to move beyond only two perspectives or choices. Binary choices can limit creativity if not diverged on (exploring while suspending judgement) first - like trying to fit an essay question into a 2-option or true-false question. Expanding our mindsets to hold the possibility of both/and allows us to move beyond two reductive choices into multiple generative ones.
Binary thinking leaves out nuance, and it’s in nuances that novelty emerges. Nuance leads to more possibilities. When faced with opposing ideas, opening the creative filed means going beyond initial reactive judgments of "good/bad" or "accept/reject" about what's familiar, and into new territory. Not liking x doesn't necessarily mean y is the best solution. Sometimes it’s neither. Sometimes it's both, and often the most generative ideas offer a third way that contains a bit of both, along with something new.
Navigating dynamic tension expands creativity thru various ways of yes-anding with each other—and w the unexpected. An unpredictable third way can emerge that is greater than both sides, but includes something of significance for participants on both sides of a polarity.
This can happen by breaking our patterns and releasing attachment to the original (status quo) version to the more inclusive emergent vision. A specific action plan may be let go, but the essence (values, purpose, aspiration, goal) is kept as the foundation from which to co-create a new action plan. Many ORs are ANDs-in-waiting at the next level - if we give them breathing room.
Abandoning the limitations of any one original agenda allows something more innovative to emerge collectively—a true co-creation. It's about letting go of preconceived ideas into what's actually emerging. The more comfortable we are w the dynamic tension in the room, the more space there is for resistance to transform into productive creative energy.
This takes setting up the right conditions - a safe "container" where diverse and messy ideas can be engaged. It needs time and openness to be with the exploration. As facilitator's, getting to know our own mental landscapes and biases leads to more consciously holding the space for the diverse views and values of our participants. When binary static thinking gives way to dimensional dynamic thinking, more innovative, inclusive options can emerge that come closer to serving the good of the participants, team, and organization.
More in Chapter 2 of my book, Pattern Breaks: A Facilitator's Guide to Cultivating Creativity
