Wendy Smith, a management professor, and Marianne Lewis, the Dean at the University of Cincinnati, co-author the book "Both/And Thinking." They discuss how leaders can embrace ambiguity in decision-making rather than choosing between binary options. By reframing questions, they reveal how to find creative solutions and foster interdependencies. Their insights highlight the significance of balancing compassion with competence in leadership, particularly in navigating complexities during challenging times.
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insights INSIGHT
Either/Or Thinking and Anxiety
People are drawn to either/or thinking because it reduces anxiety in decision-making.
This approach, while sometimes helpful, can limit creativity and broader solutions.
insights INSIGHT
Both/And Thinking
Both/and thinking involves exploring competing ideas before making decisions.
This approach allows for a deeper understanding of each side and potential synergies.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Balancing Today and Tomorrow
Effective organizations must balance current operations with future innovation.
Focusing solely on one aspect can hinder long-term success.
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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.
Making business decisions often means choosing one path over another—but that doesn’t always need to be the case. Wendy Smith and Marianne Lewis argue that leaders should move beyond “either/or” choices and try to come up with solutions that embrace ambiguity and paradox.
In this episode, you’ll learn how to reframe the question you’re asking in order to get more creative answers. You’ll also learn how to shift your own internal thinking away from oppositional relationships and instead focus on interdependencies.
Smith is a management professor at the University of Delaware, and Lewis is dean of the University of Cincinnati Lindner College of Business. Together they’re coauthors of the book Both/And Thinking: Embracing Creative Tensions to Solve Your Toughest Problems.
Key episode topics include: leadership, decision making and problem solving, tradeoffs, reframing.
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