12/04/2023

Powering Personal and Organizational Growth through Contraction

Sometimes, leaders must step back so others can grow

The mystical 16th-century Lurianic Kabbalah offers an interesting extension of the traditional Judeo-Christian creation narrative, encapsulated by the Hebrew term “tzimtzum.” If you have not heard the term before but it sounds familiar nonetheless, you might recognize it as the name of the doomed ship in the book and movie Life of Pi.

"Tzimtzum" roughly translates into English as "contraction" or "diminution." In the Kabbalah, it represents the idea that prior to and as a condition for creation, God first had to contract his infinite presence to create space for what he was about to create.

As finite mortals, we might be tempted to think of tzimtzum solely as a divine concept. Yet, it offers an important conceptual framework from which leaders and their organizations can benefit — if they are prepared to make the necessary space. Indeed, they can utilize this framework not only to become better leaders but also to drive greater, more lasting success within their organizations.

Please select this link to read the complete article from Chief Executive.