Opposing Paradoxes

To be sure, leadership encompasses an array of conflicting demands that seem to contradict each other.  But what is life without opposites, paradoxes and opposing views?
Remember the sayings we were taught in school: “Too many cooks spoil the broth” and “Many hands make light work”?
I picked this up from an article a long time ago; it was developed by a major firm to remind its executives of the harsh realities of leadership.  I am sorry I don’t recall the source to give proper credit. 

• To be able to build a close relationship with one’s staff… and to keep a suitable distance.
• To be able to lead… and to hold oneself in the background.
• To trust ones’ staff and to keep an eye on what is happening. 
• To be tolerant and to know how you want tings to function.
• To keep the goals of one’s own department in mind, and at the same time be loyal to the whole firm. 
• To do a good job of planning you own time, and be flexile with your schedule.
• To express freely your own views, and to e diplomatic.
• To be a visionary, and keep one’s feet on the ground.
• To try to win consensus and t know when to cut through.
• To be dynamic, and be reflective.
• To be sure of oneself, and be humble.