Managing Current flow and enabling systems
As I ponder the wisdom of Rumi and the art of polarity management, I’m struck by the unexpected parallels between Semiconductors and Leaders.
“Out beyond the right doing and wrong doing there is a field and I will meet you there” – beyond the polarization lies the dance of polarity.
Def: A semiconductor is a material that can conduct electricity in some conditions and block it in others. That is put simple, move between being a “Conductor” and being an “Insulator”. Semiconductors are used as the foundation for many electronic devices, including computers, cell phones etc. It can control the flow of electrical current by varying its conductivity in response to changes in temperature.
Semiconductors beautifully dance the polarity of being a Conductor and being an Insulator, hence the name “semi”. depending on its environment.
But what if we were to draw a parallel between these tiny components and the human experience? At first glance, it may seem like a far-fetched comparison, but out of curiosity let’s explore the intriguing similarities. The parallels.
Managing Energy
Both semiconductors and Leaders, have a primary ROLE of managing FLOW of energy and enabling movement of things. They have thresholds that must be reached before they can truly thrive. In the case of semiconductors, this threshold is a voltage level that must be attained before they can become “Conductors”.
And this Shift in state – is done introducing – a “Heat experience “
Similarly, Leaders have their own thresholds – “Heat experiences” – moments of crisis, challenge, or opportunity – that can spark growth and transformation. IF seen as threshold.
In the last three decades of my work with leaders, I have also seen situations when the heat got too much or too little – and the leaders remain in the “Insulated” state. NO FLOW.
Threshold is different for different people.These moments of transformation can be catalysts for innovation, creativity, and progress.
Doping and Diversity
In semiconductor manufacturing, “doping” introduces impurities to alter material properties. Similarly, leaders must bring together diverse perspectives, experiences, and skills to create a dynamic and innovative work environment. Diversity is not just important, it’s imperative!
Polarity Management
Semiconductors are a perfect example of dancing with the polarity. The polarity of sometimes being a ‘Conductor” and sometimes an ‘Insulator.’ Heck even the word “transistor” ( comes from a combination of the word “Transform” AND “Resist” )
It’s quite funny when you see it.
Similarly, Leaders who can effectively manage polarity can balance seemingly opposing forces, such as stability and innovation, or structure and flexibility or hands-on and hands-off style. WITHOUT making either one a problem
By embracing and integrating these paradoxes, leaders can grow into deeper ways of understating the problems instead of Solving for the VUCA
From Dust to Dawn.
Perhaps the most profound similarity between semiconductors and humans is our shared origin. Both are created from the fundamental building blocks of our universe – sand and dust. Silicon, the primary material used in semiconductors, is derived from sand, while humans are composed of elements forged in the hearts of stars and scattered throughout the cosmos as dust.
“Dust thou are and to dust thou returnest” (not sure about the return part for all, but still.)
This common ancestry underscores the intricate web of connections that binds us all.
Technology is learning from Humans, and how. So in the spirit of Rumi, and the field where polarities are NOT opposites, Perhaps as leaders as humans, we can also learn from the semiconductor's ability to be humble, adapt, transform, and thrive in a rapidly changing world.
-Rhea Dsouza
