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HBR IdeaCast

Decisions Don’t Have to Be Either-Or

Aug 9, 2022
Wendy Smith, a management professor at the University of Delaware, and Marianne Lewis, the dean of the University of Cincinnati Lindner College of Business, explore innovative decision-making strategies. They argue against binary thinking, advocating for 'both-and' approaches that embrace ambiguity. The discussion highlights how this mindset fosters creativity, especially in navigating leadership paradoxes and managing uncertainty. Through practical advice and real-life stories, they reveal how embracing complexity can lead to personal and organizational growth.
25:51

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Embrace creative tensions for holistic decision-making in business, focusing on synergies over trade-offs.
  • Both/And Thinking involves integrating seemingly conflicting elements for enhanced leadership effectiveness.

Deep dives

Both and Thinking in Business

In the podcast, the concept of 'both and thinking' is explored in the context of business decision-making. Traditionally, business strategies involve making tough trade-offs, where choosing one option means sacrificing another. The guests, Wendy Smith and Marianne Lewis, advocate for a more holistic approach that embraces creative tensions. They emphasize the importance of considering both operational efficiencies and innovative solutions for long-term success, rather than solely focusing on one aspect.

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