About

The Key Polarity Indicator (KPI) was born out of a shared desire to help people see and make sense of polarities and paradox.

“Seeing” is one of the most challenging parts of learning to navigate polarities. It requires patience and practice – two things that are often in short supply. Through engagement and feedback from hundreds of participants, a sense making tool was required to conquer the challenge.

Polarities often become an unconscious part of our identity – making them seem logical and comfortable in isolation and completely absurd and polarizing when appearing simultaneously. They can feel like tensions within ourselves, in our relationships and teams, inside our organizations, across cultures, and within societies. They can be the source of stunning success and significant suffering. 

All of this led to the creation of the KPI wheels that served as frameworks to help coaches and leaders see and diagnose the polarities impacting key areas of effectiveness. Shortly thereafter, these diagnostic models were turned into self and 360 assessments to make sense of, measure, and monitor some of the key human, leadership, and organizational polarities.

Today, the Key Polarity Indicator is used by a global community of practitioners and clients to see and make sense of some of the most common polarities that show up in leadership and organizational life.

The KPI is fueled by Andiron, a leadership consultancy committed to creating the space and tools for transformation. Learn more about their work with polarities and check out the book Navigating Polarities: Using Both/And Thinking to Lead Transformation.

Curious to learn more about why the KPI was created?

This video offers a glimpse into the minds and hearts of Brian Emerson, PhD, and Kelly Lewis, PCC, as they explore questions like “Why did you create the KPI?”, “What problem were you solving for?” and “What has most surprised and delighted you?”