ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the paradox inherent in leading both oneself and others, and then reviews the paradox of being present to the moment while focusing on the future, from a leadership perspective. It considers both of the paradoxes together. Hierarchy remains hard-wired: in most organisations, appointments are top-down. Board members appoint senior managers each of whom appoint middle managers and so on. In most organisations people don't get to choose their leaders. In fast-changing markets, organisations need to be fast-moving, which requires quick decision-making, so leadership has to be distributed. Team members will want leaders to provide direction when it's needed, and who will take appropriate action when, for example, a team member is underperforming and undermining the team as a whole. Team members who are performing well rarely want a leader to be soft on poor performance, unless there is a good reason for it.
