Wellbeing Polarity Leadership

In “Wellbeing Polarity Leadership: How Young Leaders Can Impact the 21st Century,” the authors confront the paradox of modern wellbeing. Despite our knowledge, individuals and societies grapple with serious issues, from environmental degradation to the erosion of family cohesion. Delving into the heart of this dilemma, this book reveals the interconnected and interdependent nature of wellbeing, comprising economic, social, cultural, spiritual, environmental, physical, psychological, and material components. The authors contend that our education system’s bias towards producing specialists does not prepare students for this interdependence and particularly how the components can work as counter-balancing opposites. Instead, we train leaders to optimise one or two components failing to understand how these one-sided solutions cause wellbeing problems elsewhere. Tailored for emerging leaders, the book unveils the Wellbeing Polarity Leadership Framework, informed by cutting-edge research. By focusing on the delicate balance of opposites within the eight components, leaders can achieve greater overall wellbeing gains and avoid costly quick fixes.

Empowered by this framework, emerging leaders have the opportunity to transcend business-as-usual and usher in new ways of honouring wellbeing for improved individuals, families, businesses, and communities. Our world faces a wellbeing crisis. This book addresses that challenge directly, exploring the complexity of wellbeing. The authors offer simple, thoughtful tools grounded in understanding polarities and paradoxes that enable every student and parent to effectively navigate the competing demands toward a more productive life. I wish I had read this as a teenager. Wendy Smith, Dana J. Johnson Professor of Management Author of Both/And Thinking: Embracing Creative Tensions to Solve Your Toughest Problems.