While both principles are true, one works in some situations and the alternative works in others. Sometimes, both need to be applied in varying degrees at the same time. That’s a paradox. Learning how to finesse paradoxes -- how to apply true principles to a problem wisely -- is the toughest challenge for managers and leaders.
Store managers must resolve a particularly tough paradox: the conflict between leadership and management. How do you separate the two? Steven R. Covey, author of “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People,” advises, “You lead people, and manage things.”