Unleashing the Positive Power of Differences: Polarity Thinking in Our Schools

Move from entrenched differences to common goals! All too often, key education initiatives collapse because leaders fail to anticipate and learn from the concerns of those charged with implementation. This illuminating book shows how education leaders can bring opposing groups to common ground, resulting in a solid plan built on diverse wisdom. Acclaimed education coach Jane Kise demonstrates how polarity thinking-a powerful tool for bridging differences developed by Barry Johnson of Polarity Partnerships-provides an alternative to endless debates and either/or thinking. Rather than seeing conflicting forces, the tools help us view them as equally important-even interdependent-concepts, approaches, or models. Readers will find: Ways to recognize polarities, map the positive and negative aspects, and channel energy wasted on disagreement toward a greater common purpose Tools for introducing and working with polarities Polarity mapping to help leaders improve processes for leading change and creating buy-in Ways to use polarity with students as a framework for higher-level thinking "Jane Kise provides guidance for educators engaged in deep change and implementation of initiatives in which stakeholders have opposing perspectives. Through authentic examples of significant changes educators face today, Kise guides educators to leverage polarity thinking to promote commitment, engagement, and investment." - Joellen Killion, Senior Advisor Learning Forward "The mind, entrenched in the rigidity of either/or thinking, dwells on the divisions and ignores the connections of both/and. This engaging and practical book helps our students (and their teachers) transcend those divisions in a journey toward enriched enlightenment and greater flexibility." -Arthur L. Costa, Emeritus Professor California State University, Sacramento