Wendy Smith

The Minimalists speak with Wendy Smith, author of Both/And Thinking, about shortening cycles of inner conflict. Listen to all two hours of episode 364 on The Minimalists Private Podcast. Discussed in this episode: How do we better analyze and accept our shortcomings and failures? (01:57) What is “emotional ambivalence”? (10:38) How do we tactfully manage rocky relationships with family and friends? (15:13) How do we commit to leaving an unfulfilling job? (19:12) What are “competence traps”? (21:35) Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast Join The Minimalists Private Podcast: minimalists.com/support

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.

In this engaging conversation, Professor Wendy Smith, an award-winning business professor at the University of Delaware and Co-director of the Women’s Leadership Initiative, shares her insights on both/and thinking. She highlights how embracing contradictions can enhance creativity and lead to better decision-making. Wendy discusses classic paradoxes, using a mule to illustrate the power of combining different paths. Her tightrope metaphor emphasizes the importance of balance and flexibility in resolving conflicts and navigating life's complexities.

Wendy Smith, Dana J. Johnson Professor of Management and author of Both/And Thinking, shares her insights on navigating life's complexities. She emphasizes the importance of embracing paradoxical thinking to enhance creativity and decision-making in both personal and professional realms. Wendy reveals her struggles as an extroverted writer and discusses practical strategies for establishing effective writing routines. The conversation also touches on the transformative power of writing and the significance of community collaboration in fostering new ideas.

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!