Can one word really change your life? Discover how replacing 'but' with 'and' opens up possibilities and fosters creativity. Dive into the complexities of decision-making, where comfort shouldn't dictate quality choices. Learn how companies like Patagonia and LEGO embrace ambiguity for growth and innovation. Decision-making becomes a dynamic, jazzy collaboration, where adaptability and courage reign. Unpack the idea that discomfort can lead to better decisions by navigating uncertainty, instead of avoiding it.
15:50
forum Ask episode
web_stories AI Snips
view_agenda Chapters
auto_awesome Transcript
info_circle Episode notes
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Replace "But" with "And"
Replace the word "but" with "and" to foster openness and creativity in conversations.
This simple language shift expands possibilities and prevents shutting down ideas prematurely.
insights INSIGHT
Embrace Complexity with "And"
The real world is messy with conflicting priorities, not binary choices.
Can one word change your life? Bruce thinks so. In this solo episode he unpacks a deceptively simple but transformative idea. Drawing from personal insight, academic influence, and examples from previous episodes, Bruce challenges listeners to step away from the comfort of binary choices and embrace the complexity of the real world.
Key Takeaways
"And" vs. "But":
The word “but” often shuts down possibilities. Replacing it with “and” fosters openness, creativity, and more constructive dialogue.
The Binary Trap:
We instinctively seek simplicity — growth or security, tradition or innovation — but this limits our ability to navigate real-world complexity.
Embracing Complexity:
Success in today’s world belongs to those who can hold opposing truths, navigate ambiguity, and resist the pressure to simplify.
The Unreasonable Advantage:
Progress is driven by those willing to defy convention. As George Bernard Shaw said, "All progress depends on the unreasonable man."
Examples in Action:
Companies like Patagonia, LEGO, and Tony’s Chocolonely show that it’s possible to be profitable and purposeful, legacy-honouring and innovative.
Decision-Making in Practice:
Real-world decisions don’t follow linear logic. Leaders must think more like jazz musicians — adaptive, improvisational, and collaborative.
Notable Quotes
"Every time you want to use the word 'but', use 'and' instead."
— Professor Chris Dalton (as quoted by Bruce)
"Comfort isn’t a metric of a good decision. Discomfort is often required."
— Bruce Whitfield
"The real world isn’t an either/or world. It’s messy. It’s uncertain. It’s full of conflicting data, competing priorities, and impossible expectations. It is the world of 'and'."
— Bruce Whitfield
"All progress depends on the unreasonable man."
— George Bernard Shaw (quoted by Bruce)
References & Mentions
Chris Dalton – Henley Business School professor whose advice on conjunctions inspired this episode’s theme.
George Bernard Shaw – Quoted for his insight on the nature of progress and unreasonableness.
The Art of Deciding