Shop Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Add Prime to get Fast, Free delivery
Amazon prime logo
Buy new:
$24.95
FREE delivery Friday, January 3 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Ships from: Amazon.com
Sold by: Amazon.com
$24.95
Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime FREE Returns
FREE delivery Friday, January 3 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35. Order within 19 hrs 57 mins
In Stock
$$24.95 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$24.95
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Ships from
Amazon.com
Ships from
Amazon.com
Sold by
Amazon.com
Sold by
Amazon.com
Returns
Returnable until Jan 31, 2025
Returnable until Jan 31, 2025
For the 2024 holiday season, eligible items purchased between November 1 and December 31, 2024 can be returned until January 31, 2025.
Read full return policy
Returns
Returnable until Jan 31, 2025
For the 2024 holiday season, eligible items purchased between November 1 and December 31, 2024 can be returned until January 31, 2025.
Read full return policy
Payment
Secure transaction
Your transaction is secure
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
Payment
Secure transaction
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
$7.47
Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime FREE Returns
Book is in good condition and may include underlining highlighting and minimal wear. The book can also include From the library of labels. May not contain miscellaneous items toys dvds etc. . We offer 100% money back guarantee and 24 7 customer service. Free 2-day shipping with Amazon Prime! Book is in good condition and may include underlining highlighting and minimal wear. The book can also include From the library of labels. May not contain miscellaneous items toys dvds etc. . We offer 100% money back guarantee and 24 7 customer service. Free 2-day shipping with Amazon Prime! See less
FREE delivery January 9 - 15 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Or fastest delivery January 6 - 10
$$24.95 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$24.95
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Access codes and supplements are not guaranteed with used items.
Added to

Sorry, there was a problem.

There was an error retrieving your Wish Lists. Please try again.

Sorry, there was a problem.

List unavailable.
$24.95
FREE pickup Friday, January 3 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Or Prime members get FREE pickup Monday, December 30. Order within 19 hrs 57 mins.

1.76 mi | Ashburn 20147

How pickup works
Pick up from nearby pickup location
Step 1: Place Your Order
Select the “Pickup” option on the product page or during checkout.
Step 2: Receive Notification
Once your package is ready for pickup, you'll receive an email and app notification.
Step 3: Pick up
Bring your order ID or pickup code (if applicable) to your chosen pickup location to pick up your package.
Only 1 left in stock - order soon.
$$24.95 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$24.95
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Returns
Returnable until Jan 31, 2025
Returnable until Jan 31, 2025
For the 2024 holiday season, eligible items purchased between November 1 and December 31, 2024 can be returned until January 31, 2025.
Read full return policy
Returns
Returnable until Jan 31, 2025
For the 2024 holiday season, eligible items purchased between November 1 and December 31, 2024 can be returned until January 31, 2025.
Read full return policy
Payment
Secure transaction
Your transaction is secure
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
Payment
Secure transaction
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Barry Johnson
Follow
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

Polarity Management: Identifying and Managing Unsolvable Problems Paperback – June 12, 2014

by Barry Johnson Ph.D. (Author)
4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 141 ratings
See all formats and editions
{"desktop_buybox_group_1":[{"displayPrice":"$24.95","priceAmount":24.95,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"24","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"95","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"A6nM2u6nm0aH31e2Ts%2B5PHhkl%2BxqOijn5nU2ANgbUZ78Oot%2B1wUDsGwrntn%2Fbmqy%2FToU%2F3CbaeKdxmbIeSrhPK6dcw%2F0mKInK1vmJ8loXxrjnh%2ByQQxNnjJ3XA46JDZxZenZMKnkCVU%3D","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"NEW","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":0}, {"displayPrice":"$7.47","priceAmount":7.47,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"7","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"47","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"A6nM2u6nm0aH31e2Ts%2B5PHhkl%2BxqOijnZFEWCDYdI%2Bwn3dlNNbMmMgasiUYSyUPR%2BEFA%2FiLXrvBSJvcc8plV3rcoDQvG5ZduySYr4aAH%2F4vSCjrGqNe57N4DzjRWr0y%2F935JB%2B27TVpL9FkmDk4mQVzh54T9GklP3k2271speWgCosYbgpLCWLLwtoO3FFH8","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"USED","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":1}],"desktop_buybox_group_2":[{"displayPrice":"$24.95","priceAmount":24.95,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"24","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"95","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"A6nM2u6nm0aH31e2Ts%2B5PHhkl%2BxqOijn7QTEynRKLWKprwKKEV%2F%2BARJXcEtrpyRbMD284FGOgNGcvtGZc52bo5julRmgr0mGQmgPPKafv1lGfY1xEG8LCEPsjUc4t2GYeFqS7kNza8TPf4%2FQqks4ULmu3TJmCon7KDrxMHRyNlg7Mta553A7KQ%3D%3D","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"PICKUP","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":2}]}

Purchase options and add-ons

Some complex problems simply do not have "solutions." The key to being an effective leader is being able to recognize and manage such problems. Polarity Management presents a unique model and set of principles that will challenge you to look at situations in new ways. Also included are exercises to strengthen your skills, and case studies to help you begin applying the model to your own unsolvable problems.
Previous slide of product details
  1. Print length
    292 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publication date
    June 12, 2014
  4. Dimensions
    6 x 0.66 x 9 inches
  5. ISBN-10
    0874251761
  6. ISBN-13
    978-0874251760
  7. See all details
Next slide of product details
The%20Amazon%20Book%20Review
The Amazon Book Review
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now.

Frequently bought together

Polarity Management: Identifying and Managing Unsolvable Problems
This item: Polarity Management: Identifying and Managing Unsolvable Problems
$24.95
Get it as soon as Friday, Jan 3
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
+
And: Making a Difference by Leveraging Polarity, Paradox or Dilemma, Volume Two: Applications (Polarity Partnerships)
$26.60
Get it as soon as Friday, Jan 3
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
+
And: Making a Difference by Leveraging Polarity, Paradox or Dilemma (Polarity Partnerships)
$29.95
Get it as soon as Friday, Jan 3
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
Total price: $00
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Details
Added to Cart
spCSRF_Treatment
Choose items to buy together.

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
141 global ratings

Review this product

Share your thoughts with other customers
Write a customer review

Customers say

Customers find the book provides useful tools for thinking and managing challenges. They appreciate the clear, concise explanations with useful examples and activities. Readers find the concept simple yet powerful, making it a worthwhile read.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Select to learn more
ConceptEase of readingValue for money
21 customers mention "Concept"21 positive0 negative

Customers find the book provides useful tools for thinking and managing challenges. They appreciate the clear explanations, examples, activities, and summaries. The approach makes a lot of practical sense and is useful for businesses and individuals.

"...This book takes an In depth look at how to more fully understand how this plays out in all sorts of ways in life, career, relationships...you name it..." Read more

"...By doing so, the vignettes described are energizing and provide teachable moments. Some of the lessons of the book are:..." Read more

"Initially, when I read the first chapter, I thought this was a very interesting concept...." Read more

"...The model & the explanation works really well in the work environment when trying to explain to people that many things are not solvable, they are..." Read more

11 customers mention "Ease of reading"11 positive0 negative

Customers find the book easy to read and understand with great examples. They appreciate the short explanations, useful examples, activities, and summaries. The concept is simple yet not everything works in all situations. Readers find the book practical and a quick read full of things they can do immediately to improve.

"...Easy to understand with great examples. Really don't even need a coach to gain the benefits." Read more

"A simple insight into how - if we treat everything & everyone as a problem then everyone & everything becomes a problem...." Read more

"...It was a quick read full of things that I could do immediately to improve the success of change efforts!..." Read more

"Brilliantly simple and concise. Practical wisdom to navigate some of the hardest situations we find ourselves in." Read more

7 customers mention "Value for money"7 positive0 negative

Customers find the book worthwhile and a good read for management techniques.

"...management itself, the lessons learned can be very powerful and worth the journey." Read more

"...it is worth reading though. Clearly makes one think. Good stuff." Read more

"...It’s worth a read...." Read more

"...Seemed to stay too much on chosen examples. Short and valuable read. Basis for a lot of re-framing going forward." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • My Mentor Jane
    5.0 out of 5 stars Takes leadership development to a new level
    Reviewed in the United States on December 26, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    I have long been familiar with the difference between 'both/and' vs, 'either/or' thinking and its application to leadership development. This book takes an In depth look at how to more fully understand how this plays out in all sorts of ways in life, career, relationships...you name it. My coaching clients are learning to question their assumptions and realizing they have more options than they thought. In today's VUCA world (see Kevin Cashman's Pause Principle), the ability to explore polarities and the cycle we can get wrapped up into is a huge advantage. Easy to understand with great examples. Really don't even need a coach to gain the benefits.
    2 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Jim L. Battin
    4.0 out of 5 stars It's Not Either/Or; It's Both/And
    Reviewed in the United States on November 9, 2012
    Verified Purchase
    Barry Johnson's book heightens the readers' awareness of polarities that play themselves out in our everyday lives.

    If one can accept the notion that there are many unsolvable problems, the reader can take solace in becoming engaged with the author's thorough explanation of how to identify and manage these polarities. By doing so, the vignettes described are energizing and provide teachable moments.

    Some of the lessons of the book are:

    We are taught to look at both the upside and downside of polarities.
    We see and feel what Johnson calls the `tradition bearing' and `crusading' patterns of behavior.
    We see and feel that by considering at all sides of a situation, we can participate in a healthy dance between them.
    We rush `to be right' rather than becoming `accurate and complete.'

    While some of the concepts are at first difficult to grasp, paradoxically, by following the principles of polarity management itself, the lessons learned can be very powerful and worth the journey.
    2 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • dzello
    5.0 out of 5 stars Powerful tools for thinking
    Reviewed in the United States on October 8, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Highly recommend to startup founders and any designers of organizations that are meant to both grow and last. Polarity management has changed the way I think about how to make the best of many challenges and opportunities that our company faces.
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Doug
    3.0 out of 5 stars Good concept - not sure it works in too many situations
    Reviewed in the United States on April 17, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    Initially, when I read the first chapter, I thought this was a very interesting concept. I believe very strongly that many of the decisions we have to make in our personal and professional lives are unfairly categorized as binary...we fund a project, or not...we buy a new house, or not...polarity management (PM) argues that many of the "fixes" that managers implement at work (eg; centralizing decision-making when too much of the decision-making is the field) just set us up for a pendulum of back and forth.

    Using PM would have a manager consider the upside for both "poles" and do her best to keep the decision-making in a best of both worlds status, as long as can be managed. In theory, I do think this is an interesting way of discussing pole-based issues. The book is easily twice as long as it should be and I didn't find the examples to be terribly relevant.

    Another issue to bring up is that PM exists on the basis that there are two poles. This can limit decision-making and crush creativity.
    7 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Rosemarie S
    5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful book, it would be great if its principles were build into education systems
    Reviewed in the United States on November 7, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    A simple insight into how - if we treat everything & everyone as a problem then everyone & everything becomes a problem.

    The model & the explanation works really well in the work environment when trying to explain to people that many things are not solvable, they are part of the cycle of business & life. It also works wonderfully with life stuff.

    I recommend this book to others regularly.
    2 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • M.J. Beatty
    5.0 out of 5 stars Recommended for all change managemnt professionals
    Reviewed in the United States on February 11, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    I chose this rating based upon usable material. I must say I have never considered the concepts presented in this book and probably would have been better off had I done so! It was a quick read full of things that I could do immediately to improve the success of change efforts!

    My highest recommmendation for this book based upon utility!
    Helpful
     Report
  • Alexandru Gris
    4.0 out of 5 stars Interesting concept, the book a bit repetitive and simplistic.
    Reviewed in the United States on January 3, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Interesting concept but the book feels a bit repetitive and simplistic. it is worth reading though. Clearly makes one think. Good stuff.
    Helpful
     Report
  • Blair J. Miller
    5.0 out of 5 stars A book for the times we live in.
    Reviewed in the United States on December 31, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    Brilliantly simple and concise. Practical wisdom to navigate some of the hardest situations we find ourselves in.
    Helpful
     Report

Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English
  • ADEMAR CHAVES FILHO
    5.0 out of 5 stars Consultor
    Reviewed in Brazil on August 23, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Ainda estou estudando o conteúdo, mas estou gostando@
    Report
  • evona kitzke
    5.0 out of 5 stars Recommended book
    Reviewed in Canada on February 12, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Gift
    Report
  • Susan Glazier
    5.0 out of 5 stars This is a really helpful tool to think with
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 15, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    I used this book at work - it was so helpful to much of my thinking. It is a practical way to avoid excess and extremism which knocks a system out of kilter with negative consequences. I have retired and now feel the need of it in my everyday life (so ordered it for myself) - it is extremely wise and helpful and certainly an excellent tool to plan and think with and the sort of book to have handy to help you think through any problematic situation.
    Report
  • Bard C. Papegaaij
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great approach to change and conflict situations.
    Reviewed in Australia on March 20, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    When embarking on a major change program, it's all too easy to fall into a narrative in which the old is bad, and the new is good, creating the false impression that the new situation is going to solve all our problems. In most cases, the new situation may be better in some things, but could also be worse in things the current situation is particularly good at. This book shows that very often a change is not so much a solution, but a change in balance between seemingly opposing values. Trying to force change onto people by claiming it will solve our current problems my be accurate for the problems identified, but is also woefully incomplete with respect to many problems left unspoken. This incompleteness then easily leads to resistance, contrary forces finding reasons to fight each other, false absolutes, and conflict. The book offers a great method for examining the polarities of complex change initiatives, bringing to light the promises and pitfalls of both sides of the conflict or tension. I have used this method in my work and have never been disappointed by its effect on the groups I used it with: the simple fact of shining a clear light on all sides of the conflict is often enough to change the dynamics inside the group, and their attitude towards the world around them. I highly recommend this book for anyone dealing with change and conflict in their work environment.
    Report
  • MrT
    5.0 out of 5 stars A great book!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 17, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    A great book!
    Report