Both/And 👌

Multiple truths can coexist

When it comes to big decisions, most of us end up with an either/or thinking, i.e. choosing between competing options.

Either/or thinking restricts solutions and mindsets. Overemphasizing one side of a paradox while neglecting the other is limited at best and detrimental at worst. Navigating paradox requires adopting mindsets that enable holding two opposing forces simultaneously. This challenges rational assumptions. Truth is not black and white.

Multiple truths can coexist.

Sharing AtomicIdeas from the book, Both/And Thinking - by Wendy Smith and Marianne Lewis.  The book delves into the concept of "both/and" thinking and how it can help individuals and organizations become more creative, flexible, and effective at solving problems.

They argue that too often we fall into either/or thinking, where we try to choose between two opposing options, when in reality there are often multiple pathways forward that can be pursued simultaneously.

The world is full of competing tensions. You can't be both fast and accurate, cheap and high-quality, innovative and reliable. But that doesn't mean you have to choose. Instead, embrace the tension and find ways to integrate the two.

Everyday I remind myself (and practice) both/and thinking - be it in personal or professional space. For instance, we are now reimagining AtomicIdeas - as newsletter + <something bigger> and the two can not just co-exist, but also the paid subscription will work seamlessly (more announcements next week, plus the susbcription price will go up - so grab it now).

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Why Both/And Thinking

Life's complexity reflects our own. Vulnerability strengthens courage. Woundedness builds integrity. It's not either/or but this AND that. Messy problems present dilemmas with logical but opposed solutions. Adaptive challenges lack roadmaps, unlike technical problems. Navigating paradox means shifting assumptions to hold contradictions together.

The problem is not the problem; the problem is how we think about the problem.

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Four Types of Paradoxes

There are four types of paradoxes, involving competing tensions:

• Performing paradoxes (goals);

• Learning paradoxes (change);

• Belonging paradoxes (identity);

• Organizing paradoxes (structure).

For instance, learning paradoxes balance exploiting current success and exploring future innovation. Belonging paradoxes raise opposing roles and values.

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