The Modern Manager

403: How To Escape The Either/Or Trap And Make Better Decisions

Apr 14, 2026
They tackle why binary thinking stalls tough choices and how it narrows possibilities. You hear practical tactics like generating “options within options,” challenging assumptions, and sequencing decisions. The conversation highlights creating hybrid solutions and running small experiments. A clear push to notice either-or language and expand choices for better, more creative decision making.
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INSIGHT

Either Or Thinking Hides Creative Alternatives

  • Either-or thinking treats complex situations as if only two solutions exist.
  • Mamie Kanfer Stewart explains this mindset hides creative alternatives like combined or wholly different options.
ADVICE

Brainstorm Options Within Each Choice

  • Generate options within each path instead of choosing A or B.
  • Example: hiring can mean full-time, part-time, contractor, freelancer, or partnering with another team, revealing many practical alternatives.
ADVICE

Question Assumptions With What Ifs

  • Challenge the assumptions behind your either-or framing with what-if questions.
  • For software decisions, ask about partial implementation, parallel trials, customization, or process changes instead of full replacement.
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