Tetralemmas

‘An all-or-nothing approach usually produces self-limiting or self-damaging outcomes – especially in complex situations.’ (Michael Pohl)

A novel experience this week was to co-pilot a new Masterclass in Action Learning Facilitation with Charlotte Snowdon of Action Learning Associates. It was great to work alongside someone with a very different background, style and approach in order to co-create an optimal range of insights and ideas. In planning and preparing the event, we decided to pool our ideas rather than to attempt to harmonise them. This would enable different participants with different interests and preferences the opportunities to draw on whom- or whatever they found most useful.

This both-and approach is illustrative of a solution reflected in a Tetralemma, a helpful tool for breaking out of polarised either-or thinking. The tool itself depicts a simple grid, with 'Option 1' at one end of a horizontal axis and a (perceived) opposite 'Option 2' at the other. On the vertical axis, 'Elements of both' is at one end and 'Neither of these' at the other. This creates a possibility matrix in which instead of just Option 1 or Option 2, we can consider Option 1 and Option 2; or Neither of these options by e.g. reconsidering or reframing the issue we want or need to address.

I especially like this tool for four main reasons: Firstly, it can help clients break out of an unhelpful polarity where they have become trapped by their own either-or thinking. Secondly, it can provide stimulus to create new Both possibilities that they may never have considered. Thirdly, it can draw on and preserve diversity, avoiding over-compromise or blending into boring blandness. Fourthly, it can challenge clients to reflect more deeply on whether they are focusing on or addressing the most important issues or dilemmas in the first place. What do you think?