HBR IdeaCast

Decisions Don’t Have to Be Either-Or

39 snips
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.
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ANECDOTE

Hybrid Work Challenges

  • Hybrid work can be the "worst of both worlds" if not approached thoughtfully.
  • Identify the valued aspects and limitations of both office and home work to find the right blend.
INSIGHT

Vicious Cycles of Either-Or Thinking

  • Either-or thinking creates vicious cycles of intensification, overcorrection, and polarization.
  • This prevents finding effective solutions within organizations.
ANECDOTE

Both-And Thinking in Parenting

  • Wendy Smith uses both-and thinking in her personal life, particularly in parenting.
  • By listening and valuing each other's perspectives, she and her husband reach creative solutions.
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