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!
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Wendy's Career Dilemmas
- Wendy Smith struggled with either/or career choices, like helping people vs. avoiding blood in medicine.
- She also debated focusing on academic research versus making a direct impact through teaching.
Overemphasis on "Either/Or"
- We overemphasize "either/or" thinking and lack practice with "both/and" thinking.
- Develop "both/and" skills to achieve a more balanced approach to decision-making.
Ancient Wisdom
- "Both/and" thinking isn't new; ancient philosophies and indigenous cultures understood holistic interdependence.
- We're rediscovering these wisdom traditions to address modern complexities.
