Wendy Smith, Dana J. Johnson Professor of Management and author of Both/And Thinking, shares her insights on navigating life's complexities. She emphasizes the importance of embracing paradoxical thinking to enhance creativity and decision-making in both personal and professional realms. Wendy reveals her struggles as an extroverted writer and discusses practical strategies for establishing effective writing routines. The conversation also touches on the transformative power of writing and the significance of community collaboration in fostering new ideas.
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insights INSIGHT
Paradox Thinking
We often face tensions, feeling pulled between different options like work and family.
Paradox thinking offers an alternative to "either/or" by embracing the "both/and."
question_answer ANECDOTE
Career Crossroads
Wendy Smith faced a career dilemma between a stable doctor path and an uncertain leadership role.
Choosing the less certain path led to a more fulfilling journey.
insights INSIGHT
Paradox Revolution
Ancient traditions recognized interdependence, and modern disciplines like physics and psychology reflect this.
We are in a "paradox revolution," where embracing tensions is becoming essential for effective leadership.
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Both and Thinking, Embracing Creative Tensions to Solve Your Toughest Problems
Embracing Creative Tensions to Solve Your Toughest Problems
Wendy Smith
Marianne Lewis
In "Both/And Thinking," Wendy Smith and Marianne Lewis challenge the conventional "either/or" approach to problem-solving. They argue that embracing paradoxes and contradictions leads to more effective decision-making. The book explores how to identify and navigate creative tensions, offering practical strategies for individuals and organizations. It draws on years of research and real-world examples to illustrate the power of both/and thinking. The authors emphasize the importance of understanding and integrating seemingly opposing forces to achieve better outcomes.
Tiny Experiments
How to Live Freely in a Goal-Obsessed World
Anne-Laure Le Cunff
In this book, neuroscientist and entrepreneur Anne-Laure Le Cunff argues that life should be approached as a playground for experimentation rather than being molded around linear goals. She provides a science-backed toolkit to help readers break free from limiting beliefs, harness the power of imperfection, and make smarter decisions in uncertain times. The book guides readers in discovering their true ambitions through tiny personal experiments, dismantling harmful beliefs about success, and making decisions true to their own aspirations. It emphasizes the importance of embracing uncertainty as a catalyst for growth and self-discovery.
Beyond Belief, The Art of Confidence-Centered Coaching
Beyond Belief, The Art of Confidence-Centered Coaching
Mike Porteous
Community Building for Marketers: How to Connect, Engage, and Foster Growth
Community Building for Marketers: How to Connect, Engage, and Foster Growth
Areej Abu Ali
The new state
Mary Parker Follett
In 'The New State', Mary Parker Follett articulates a vision of democracy based on group organization and local community activities. She discusses the importance of understanding human behavior in groups rather than crowds, advocating for a more organic form of democracy that balances local and national interests. The book is a foundational work in the study of public deliberation and democratic principles.
'When I first started, people were like, "Don't say the word paradox... don't say it because they won't get it." And now people are like, "Oh my goodness, I need this."'
When it's a case of scarce resources - as it always seems to be, right? - our default thinking is Either/Or. Either I spend time on this project, or I prioritise my family. Either I work on delivering today's priorities, or I focus on planning for tomorrow.
But Professor Wendy Smith would like you to consider a different way of thinking: Both/And. Life is essentially paradoxical, and she argues that the best way to navigate all the competing demands on our time successfully is to understand their interdependence. In an increasingly complex world, navigating tensions creatively can lead to better, more inclusive solutions - and this applies to personal life just as much as professional life.
She also shares the challenges of writing for a natural speaker and extrovert, the hacks she's developed for herself, and why books are 'rocky splashy'. (If you were worried that all this research-based, insightful stuff was going to be terribly academic, I hope you're now reassured.)
The Extraordinary Business Book Club 
