Often, when trying to solve a problem, we unconsciously lean towards or-thinking: choosing between one argument, or point of view, over another. In doing this, we create a tension, also called a polarity.  A polarity is two-interdependent pairs that need each other over time and generally require and-thinking to come to a solution or make a change. This week, we’re excited to launch a new book addressing how to supplement or-thinking with and-thinking to create lasting change.

And: Making a Difference by Leveraging Polarity, Paradox or Dilemma

AND is a resource for people who want to make a positive difference, regardless of the size of the system that you want to change. How? Through a clear five-step process to replace or supplement, or-thinking with and-thinking. 

You will learn when and how to bring And into your efforts to make a positive difference. When done well, supplementing Or-thinking with And-thinking will help you convert the wisdom of those resisting change into a resource to support a more effective change. 

And-thinking will help you join polarized groups and convert a vicious cycle into a benefit for all. The results will benefit both groups and the larger system of which they are a part.

Meet the Author

Barry Johnson is the creator of the Polarity Map®, a founding partner of Polarity Partnerships, and the author of several books, including Polarity Management: Identifying and Managing Unsolvable Problems, Managing Polarities in Congregations: Eight Keys for Thriving Faith Communities, and his most recent And: Making a Difference by Leveraging Polarity, Paradox or Dilemma.

Praise From Readers Like You

“Both/And thinking allows for the recognition that two seemingly contradictory

things can both be true at the same time. Within equity, inclusion, and justice work,

the Both/And lets us be honest about our privileges without descending into guilt or

shame, recognize urgency while understanding that growth takes time, and focus on

the concerns of marginalized communities while uplifting our shared humanity.” 

— Shelly Tochluk, Author, Witnessing Whiteness: The Need to Talk About Race and How To Do It and Living in the Tension: The Quest for a Spiritualized Racial Justice

“Polarity Thinking is the most elegant approach to dealing with the critical issues

that we wrestle within institutions, organizations, and groups the world over.”  

— David Magellan Horth Director of Innovation Venturing and Partnerships / Senior Fellow, Center for Creative Leadership

And: Volume One and And: Volume Two takes us step by practical step to

understand and dismantle the exclusionary paradigm that we are so used to,

and builds an inclusionary paradigm with one simple tool, And.” 

— Rev. Dr. Shanta Premawardhana President, OMNIA Institute for Contextual Leadership

Learn More

  • Visit the Polarity Partnerships website to purchase a copy of the book
  • Watch the recent webinar to learn more about And-thinking