Explore the transformative potential of Both/And Thinking in creative problem solving with Wendy Smith. Discover how embracing emotions drives innovation and gain practical tools to navigate uncertainty, broaden perspectives, and foster dynamic organizational change. Join us as we delve into real-world case studies and leadership insights to inspire paradoxical thinking in your organization.
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
Join Alison Taylor, NYU Stern ethics professor and author, to explore ethical challenges, stakeholder capitalism, corporate culture, and the role of leadership in building a responsible and sustainable business.
This episode features Dan Ariely, author of ‘Misbelief, what makes rational people believe irrational things’, focusing on the psychology behind misinformation and belief in conspiracy theories.
Discover Ellen Langer’s transformative insights on mindfulness and positive psychology for boosting creativity and innovation, on the innovation show.
In part 2 of The Entrepreneurial Mindset, Rita McGrath, discusses the concept of the entrepreneurial mindset and the power of consumption chain analysis for businesses seeking to differentiate and innovate.
Rita illustrates how understanding each step of a customer’s journey, from need identification to product disposal, can unveil numerous opportunities for innovation and competitive advantage.
A conversation with Rita McGrath, author of ‘The Entrepreneurial Mindset,’ exploring principles for thriving in rapidly changing environments. McGrath shares her personal journey from industry to academia, emphasising the importance of understanding practical business applications.
Fit to Compete – Why Honest Conversations about Your Company’s Capabilities Are the Key to a Winning Strategy
In part 1, we set the context for the book and discuss:
- Mike’s background and inspiration for the book.
- The problem of organisational silence and how it hinders strategic execution and transformation
- The concept of strategic fitness and how it helps organizations align their strategy and culture
- The process and benefits of holding honest conversations with everyone in the organization
- The challenges and barriers of overcoming the silent killers, such as fear, hierarchy, and complacency
- The vision and courage to create a culture of corporate stewardship and continuous learning.
Find Mike here:
https://www.beermichael.com
Join us for “Dancing with Monsters,” an episode that explores the fears and monsters that inhabit our personal and professional lives with Todd Dewett, author of the insightful book with the same title. This podcast delves into the transformative journey of overcoming fears, embracing imperfections, and building the confidence needed for success.
In this episode, Todd unfolds the captivating tale of Joe, the protagonist on a mission to confront his fears.
Listeners will discover how wearing masks and hiding behind excuses can be exhausting, and how authenticity and vulnerability are essential for personal and professional growth. Todd shares lessons from Joe’s youth, highlighting the impact of failed leadership missions and the importance of sincerity over insincerity.
The podcast explores the concept of fear and addresses the questions: What do you fear, and why do you fear it? Todd shares practical advice for overcoming fears, including identifying false constraints, building a support team, choosing perspective, and asking for help.
Empathy emerges as a central theme, as Joe develops empathy for his team, and they reciprocate. The podcast culminates in discussing desirable behaviours, including open-mindedness, proactivity, and authenticity, which are intricately linked to creativity and innovation.
As Todd concludes, he shares insights on the concept of “fit” in your career—how well who you are meshes with what you do. This podcast is an engaging exploration of the beauty in imperfections and the capability within each of us to create amazing work.
Join Todd Dewett to embrace authenticity, kindness, vulnerability, humility, and the power of being the change in your own life.
Connect with Todd Dewett: www.drdewett.com
Episode Highlights:
- Unravelling the opening tale of Maria, Noah, and the toxic team, along with the intriguing character, Miles.
- Exploring Joe’s journey, drawing on communication lessons from his grandfather’s vampire training academy.
- Analyzing the impact of fear and failed leadership missions on personal and professional development.
- Discussing the importance of authenticity, vulnerability, and empathy in overcoming fears and achieving success.
- Addressing thought-provoking questions: What do you fear? Why do you fear?
- Sharing practical advice for overcoming fears, including identifying false constraints, building a support team, and choosing perspective.
- Reflecting on desirable behaviors for personal and professional growth.
- Delving into the concept of “fit” in your career—aligning your personality, skills, and interests with job demands.
Join the conversation and let’s go dancing with monsters!
Today’s book is a stand-alone sequel to “Predictions: Society’s Telltale Signature Reveals the Past and Forecasts the Future”, which provided a new way of understanding society and ourselves by applying scientific concepts to predicting social phenomena. In addition to taking up the challenge of confronting the predictions made 20 years ago with actual data-something, forecasters generally refrain from doing so; the book includes many new topics that became relevant more recently.