Marianne Lewis

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.

Wendy Smith and Marianne Lewis, organizational psychologists and co-authors of *Both/And Thinking*, discuss how embracing paradoxes improves decision-making and problem-solving. They emphasize the value of reframing dilemmas to find creative solutions, using examples like Unilever's strategy. Kevin Dutton, a research psychologist and author of *Black and White Thinking*, delves into the evolutionary roots of binary thinking and its impacts on persuasion. He highlights the necessity of categorization while exploring its pitfalls and benefits.

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.