07 August 2009

Letter from Lhasa, number 122. (Griswell 2009): The Adversity Paradox

Letter from Lhasa, number 122. (Griswell 2009): The Adversity Paradox

by Roberto Abraham Scaruffi


Griswell, J. B., and B. Jennings, The Adversity Paradox. An Unconventional Guide to Achieving Uncommon Business Success, St. Martin's Press, New York, NY, USA, 2009.

(Griswell 2009).

J. Barry Griswell,

Bob Jennings



The gist of the book is that success and achievements finally depend on the ability to overcome adversity. Because, “often, the most powerful catalyst for change lies (…) in adverse circumstances.” (Griswell 2009, p. 240)


Obviously, there are various aspects complementing this ability:

1. System thinking: seeing and understanding the big picture

2. Linear thinking: seeing and understanding each discrete part of the big picture, and being able to close in on specific tasks and execute them

3. Continuous thinking: having “visionary” skills, the ability to anticipate problems and opportunities, be prepared for them, and react quickly

4. Synthesizing: the practice of sorting and prioritizing salient information from data

5. Awareness of information gaps and voids: being constantly aware of where your information voids lie and responding appropriately by learning more, turning to others for help, or both

6. Communication: the ability to communicate with either dialogue or discussion

7. Empathy: the ability to discern and identify with what others are thinking and feeling”

(Griswell 2009, p. 24-25)


Faced with the right attitude, adversity may be the best catalyst for human capital development.” (Griswell 2009, p. 81). It is certainly so, ...for people exploiting it instead of being annihilated from it.


Perhaps, a complete study on the matter would need to examine while lots of people are annihilated from adversities. Positive examples, in the field of exploiting adversity, should be complemented from negative example with explanations what makes people to react positively, people let adversity annihilate them and, probably, other people being subjugated from adversity despite reactions, eventually positive, to it. Certainly, it may be argued that if one be annihilated from adversity despite a positive reaction to it, the positive reaction was not really such. Factors, sometimes uncontrollable, may be multiple and complex, in real life.


Accept whatever hardship has come your way. Tempting as it may be to try avoid responsibility or negative consequences, you won't get anywhere by denying the facts. Analyze the situation so you can determine how to prevent the same mistake and so you can learn everything possible. Approach the challenge with the right attitude, a positive frame of mind, and with the intent to make adversity your friend. Harness the power of “and then some” with each of these steps, and you're well on your way to uncommon success.” (Griswell 2009, p. 241-242)



Griswell, J. B., and B. Jennings, The Adversity Paradox. An Unconventional Guide to Achieving Uncommon Business Success, St. Martin's Press, New York, NY, USA, 2009.