Dr. Wendy Smith, Professor at Univ. of Delaware, on Embracing Paradoxes for Creative Solutions

In this episode of the People Solve Problems podcast, host Jamie Flinchbaugh is joined by Dr. Wendy Smith, a professor at the University of Delaware and an acclaimed expert in organizational behavior. Wendy, who co-authored the book "Both/And Thinking," discusses the concept of how adopting a both/and mindset can enhance our problem-solving capabilities. With over 25 years of research and practical experience, Wendy explores the nuances of strategic paradoxes and how they influence leadership and decision-making.

Wendy begins by explaining the fundamental premise of both/and thinking. She asserts that people frequently encounter tensions and competing demands in various aspects of their lives, from personal situations to organizational leadership. Traditionally, these tensions are framed as either/or dilemmas, where one must choose between two conflicting options. Wendy argues that this mindset limits creativity and can exacerbate problems. Instead, she advocates for a both/and approach that recognizes and embraces these tensions, leading to more innovative and sustainable solutions.

Jamie and Wendy consider the psychological and structural aspects of adopting a both/and mindset. Wendy emphasizes that the way we frame our questions significantly impacts how we perceive and address problems. For instance, instead of asking whether to focus on quality or quantity, we should ask how to achieve both. This shift in perspective allows for a more holistic understanding of the problem and opens up new avenues for solutions.

Wendy illustrates her points with practical examples, such as the ongoing challenge between maintaining existing products and innovating new ones. She describes her research at IBM, where successful leaders managed this tension by making micro-adjustments over time, a process she likens to tightrope walking. This method involves consistently balancing and rebalancing resources and priorities to accommodate both immediate needs and long-term goals.

The conversation also touches on the importance of emotional and cognitive flexibility. Wendy introduces the ABCD framework from her book, which outlines four key areas for cultivating a both/and mindset: 

Assumptions (how we think)

Boundaries (the structures we create) 

Comfort (how we feel)

Dynamics (the practices we implement)

She stresses that changing our habitual ways of thinking and questioning can significantly enhance our ability to find integrative solutions.

Jamie appreciates the practical application of Wendy's framework, noting that it aligns well with traditional problem-solving stages: framing the problem, analyzing it, and identifying solutions. Wendy agrees and highlights the value of continuously revisiting and adjusting our approaches to stay aligned with both/and thinking.

Towards the end of the episode, Jamie asks Wendy about the reception of her book. Wendy shares that she has been pleasantly surprised by how well the concept of paradox resonates with leaders and practitioners. She notes that many people find comfort and validation in recognizing the inherent tensions they face and are eager to adopt a both/and approach to navigate them effectively.

Wendy's insights provide valuable guidance for anyone looking to enhance their problem-solving skills. Her emphasis on embracing paradoxes and shifting our mindset from either/or to both/and offers a powerful tool for fostering creativity and achieving sustainable success. For more on Wendy Smith's work, visit her website at www.bothandthinking.net and connect with her on LinkedIn.