Behavioral Grooves Podcast

What If There’s a Better Way to Solve Your Hardest Problems? | Wendy Smith

Dec 9, 2024

Wendy Smith, a professor at the University of Delaware and author of "Both/And Thinking," joins to discuss how embracing paradoxes can enhance decision-making and creativity. She highlights the shift from binary choices to a more nuanced perspective, enriching both personal and leadership dilemmas. Wendy shares insights on combating polarization through nuanced thinking, the emotional complexities leaders face, and the importance of understanding identity in decision-making. Plus, she humorously tackles ice cream dilemmas as perfect examples of 'both/and' thinking!

01:09:24

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Episode guests

Wendy Smith

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

The transition from either/or to both/and thinking encourages deeper engagement and innovative solutions in personal and professional dilemmas.

Effective leadership hinges on embracing complexities and fostering discussions that prioritize understanding diverse viewpoints among team members.

Both/and thinking serves as a framework for addressing societal polarization by promoting empathy, understanding, and the recognition of nuanced perspectives.

Deep dives

Understanding Both-And Thinking

Both-and thinking allows individuals to embrace paradox and navigate complex decisions instead of falling into the trap of either-or thinking. This approach encourages looking beyond immediate dilemmas to understand the interconnected nature of competing demands. By recognizing the value in multiple perspectives, decision-making becomes less about binary choices and more about exploring creative solutions. This mindset fosters deeper engagement and can lead to more innovative outcomes in personal and professional settings.

Intro

2min

Embracing Complexity: The Power of 'Both and Thinking'

2min

Promoting Nuanced Thinking to Address Polarization

2min

Navigating Paradoxes in Decision-Making

22min

Navigating the Paradox of Self-Identity

5min

Navigating Leadership Complexities

14min

Embracing Complexity in Problem-Solving

20min

Embracing Complexity in Decision-Making

2min

Have you ever felt stuck between two seemingly opposite choices or found yourself seeing the world in absolutes? This week, we’re joined by Dr. Wendy Smith, author of Both/And Thinking, to uncover how embracing paradoxes can help us tackle life’s toughest problems. Wendy shares how shifting from an “either/or” to a “both/and” mindset can unlock better decision-making, foster creativity, and provide solutions to today’s complex challenges—from personal dilemmas to organizational leadership.

In our Grooving Session, we dive deeper into the concept of “both/and” thinking and explore its applications in leadership, personal decision-making, and workplace dynamics. We examine the evolutionary roots of black-and-white thinking and discuss why embracing nuance is more important than ever in our interconnected world. Whether you’re navigating hybrid work policies, parenting challenges, or major life decisions, this perspective offers a fresh lens to solve problems both big and small.

The easiest choice you’ll make today? Saying yes to this episode! Join us for an insightful conversation with Wendy and find out why even ice cream dilemmas are worth a second thought.

Topics

[0:00] Introduction - Ice Cream Dilemmas and Both/And Thinking

[6:14] Speed round with Wendy Smith

[14:22] Understanding Paradoxes and Both/And Thinking

[23:19] Practical Applications of Both/And Thinking

[33:25] Challenges and Emotional Complexity

[40:12] Using Both/And Thinking in Leadership and Personal Life

[45:58] Desert Island Music

[47:42] Grooving Session: How to Embrace Both/And Thinking in Your Everyday Life

Links

Both/And Thinking: Embracing Creative Tensions to Solve Your Toughest Problems

Wendy Smith, PhD