Navigating Paradoxes with Both/And Thinking: Insights with Wendy Smith
In this episode, we are joined by Wendy Smith, co-author of ‘Both/And Thinking: Embrace Creative Tensions to Solve Your Toughest Problems.’
Wendy elaborates on the nuances between dilemmas, paradoxes, and tensions, emphasising that these terms are not interchangeable and revealing the psychological and practical implications of recognising and navigating paradoxes. Drawing from her personal experiences and research, Wendy illustrates how both/and thinking can be applied to career decisions, organisational challenges, and broader societal issues. She discusses the limitations of either/or thinking and the harmful patterns it can create, such as intensification, overcorrection, and polarisation.
Using examples from companies like Lego and Gore, Wendy shows how balancing tradition and innovation, centralisation and decentralisation, and other competing demands can lead to more sustainable success. The conversation also delves into the four types of paradoxes: learning, performing, organising, and belonging, and explores strategies to manage these tensions effectively.
This episode is essential for anyone facing complex decisions in their personal or professional life.
00:00 Introduction to Both/And Thinking
00:12 Understanding Tensions and Dilemmas
03:08 Defining Paradox and Its Importance
05:23 Embracing Paradoxes in Real Life
08:00 Conditions That Highlight Paradoxes
16:51 Exploring the Four Types of Paradoxes
23:28 Navigating Organisational Paradoxes
31:23 The Paradox System Framework
36:57 Lego’s Journey Through Paradox
45:40 Conclusion and Further Resources
Find Wendy here: https://bothandthinking.net/book/
And on Substack here: https://wendyksmith.substack.com
Wendy Smith, Both and Thinking, Aidan McCullen, innovation, paradox, decision making, leadership, career challenges, tension management, creativity, organisational behaviour, success, problem solving, conflict resolution