A contradiction exists when two characteristics of a system are in opposition (e.g., as weight increases, speed decreases)  or when a single characteristic must be in opposition to itself (e.g., an organization must be large and small;  large so it has resources and small so it can be dynamic and adapt quickly to customer needs).  Innovation Rainmakers® defines contradictions as complex or simple.

Although they may appear daunting, the identification and resolution of contradictions is the common thread between all great innovations, except serendipitous discoveries.  Resolving contradictions without compromise requires innovation.

Innovation Rainmakers® tools enable you to frame complex contradictions in your own language, and then break them down step-by-step, to reveal and resolve the simple contradictions which underlie them.