PM4IWSI: Paradox mindset for individual well-being and societal impact – The role of leaders in social purpose organizations

Social purpose organizations (SPOs)—such as social enterprises and non-profits—are pivotal in addressing pressing global challenges, from poverty and inequality to climate change. However, leaders of SPOs face immense pressures and are often torn between self-care and achieving a societal impact, which can lead to burnout, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. The PATH4Well-being Project aims to explore how adopting Paradox Thinking (or: a paradox mindset)—the ability to embrace and navigate opposing demands—can enable these leaders to sustain their well-being while addressing societal ills.

Paradox theory suggests that effective leadership in complex, high-stakes environments requires the ability to hold seemingly contradictory goals in tension. Research shows that a paradox mindset can improve individual performance and innovation, yet little is known about its direct impact on the well-being of leaders, their teams, and the vulnerable groups they serve.

Through a mixed-methods approach, the PATH4Well-being Project examines the role of paradox thinking in promoting well-being. The project includes several studies with two overarching goals. First, we aim at better understanding how leaders’ paradox mindsets affect their well-being, their performance, and their teams. Second, we aim to explore which and how leadership training programs can cultivate a paradox mindset and improve well-being, and how life experiences contribute to the development of paradox thinking.

The PATH4Well-being Project provides practical tools for leaders in SPOs to better manage the tensions inherent in their roles, thereby improving their own and their team’s well-being and, by extension, the capacity to address societal challenges. The project also contributes to broader social impact by showing how paradox thinking can lead to more equitable, sustainable, and effective leadership.

Beyond its practical implications, this project will push forward academic understanding of paradox theory and leadership. Through rigorous interdisciplinary research, we aim to reshape how we think about leadership in SPOs, ultimately contributing to more resilient leaders, healthier organizations, and a fairer, more sustainable future.