Podcasts about both and thinking

Enter to win a copy of Wendy Smith's book "Both/And Thinking"What do you do when you're stuck between two conflicting options? Deliver short-term results or take a long-term view?Focus on business outcomes or people development?Help by being the expert with the answer or a coach asking questions?For most of us, these competing choices are a source of conflict. We deal with uncertainty by asserting certainty that there are two distinct options to choose between.But what if there's a way to embrace both?That's why I invited Wendy Smith – award-winning psychologist and co-author of “Both/And Thinking” – to share her insights on how to make more creative, flexible, and impactful decisions in a world of competing demands.The most successful leaders and change agents have learned the power of navigating paradoxical tradeoffs and reframing problems to discover expansive solutions that didn't initially seem possible. Tune in to learn how to shift from that “either/or” mindset and embrace a “both/and” approach to tackle tough decisions, unlock new possibilities, and lead with greater impact.YOU'LL LEARN:Can you really have it all? – The difference between an and/and vs both/and mindsetA three step process to overcome dilemmas to create a more sustainable outcomeHow to reframe a problem when faced with a seemingly paradoxical choiceThree different patterns of risk when you're not able to shift from the either/or to the both/and thinkingThe benefits of being comfortable with the discomfort of learning something newABOUT MY GUEST:Wendy Smith is the co-author of “Both/And Thinking: Embracing Creative Tensions to Solve Your Toughest Problems,” an award-winning psychologist and professor at the Lerner College of Business and Economics at the University of Delaware. She's spent her career studying paradoxes in leadership and on a mission to help individuals and organizations turn problems into possibilities. Wendy's passion lies in helping leaders tackle the complex challenges of interpersonal dynamics, team performance, organizational change, and innovation to transform their organizations and the world.IMPORTANT LINKS:Full episode show notes: ChainOfLearning.com/35Connect with Wendy Smith: linkedin.com/in/wendykimsmithWendy's book: bothandthinking.netCheck out my website for resources and working together: KBJAnderson.comFollow me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kbjandersonTIMESTAMPS: 02:12 Misconception of both/and meaning02:44 And/and vs. both/and06:49 Balancing the roles of expert and coach 07:03 Balancing long-term innovation with immediate business needs08:06 3-step process of dealing with dilemma09:50 Expanding on and/and vs both/and12:03 How to approach paradoxical choices15:23 3 patterns of risk when you don't shift to both/and thinking20:15 Getting comfortable with discomfort22:03 Embracing both/and mindset creates growth mindset24:36 Bringing both/and thinking to your personal life25:50 Both/and thinking at the organizational level27:44 Integrating technical process improvement with people development29:35 Enabling both/and thinking at the organizational level Enter to win a copy of Wendy Smith's book "Both/And Thinking" 

Ever feel like your workplace is a mix of different worlds, with each generation bringing its own style, perspective, and expectations? For our second episode of the year, Dr. Michelle Quist Ryder, CEO of the American Psychological Foundation, joins us to talk about how Baby Boomers to Gen Z can navigate work together. From remote work shifts to work-life balance expectations, you'll come away with new knowledge on supporting each other across generations and creating healthier, more productive workplaces. If bridging generational gaps feels tricky, this episode offers practical tips to make it easier. Listen and Learn:  Why generational gaps in values and tech create workplace challenges  Understanding generational anxiety and why adapting workplace culture unlocks success for everyone Are return-to-office mandates sparking workplace crises, and how can companies adapt post-pandemic? How self-determination theory can unlock happier workplaces and fix toxic job cultures Can bridging generational differences in work values create healthier, more adaptable workplaces? Does turning your passion into a career kill your creativity, and how can you avoid that trap? Resources:  ● Website: https://ampsychfdn.org/about/apf-team/ ● Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-quist-ryder ● Connect on X: https://twitter.com/mquistryder About Michelle Quist Ryder Dr. Michelle Quist Ryder is a social psychologist, research professional, and the CEO of the American Psychological Foundation, an organization that leverages the power of philanthropy to invest in research and advance psychological knowledge. Dr. Quist Ryder has an extensive background in human-centric organizational design, effective DEI practices, and leveraging psychology to solve critical societal issues. Related Episodes: 176. Fair Play with Eve Rodsky   206. Fair Play Part 2 with Eve Rodsky 274. Quarterlife  299. Leadership and the Changing Workplace with Chris Shipley 303. Both/And Thinking with Marianne Lewis 333. How Work Works with Michelle P. King 347. Job Changes & Career Pivots with Paula Brand 352.Twentysomethings with Meg Jay 338. ACT for Burnout  357. Is Your Work Worth It? How to Think About Meaningful Work with Jennifer Tosti-Kharas and Christopher Wong Michaelson 374. Developing and Deepening Connections with Adam Dorsay Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, I am pleased to welcome Betsy Miller, Lecturer on Law at Harvard Law School. Betsy teaches leadership development, change management and negotiation skills, and her research and writing focus on Polarities (“Both/And” thinking), which is the study of opposite forces that need each other to succeed. Betsy's 25-year career has spanned positions in federal and local government, defense and plaintiff law firms, and academia. Through 2023, she was Chair of Cohen Milstein's' Public Client practice, where she represented state Attorneys General as their lead outside counsel in investigations and litigation involving large-scale consumer fraud and privacy violations, including the national opioid litigation that delivered more $25 billion in relief, and the $2.2 billion resolution of federal and state litigation against the largest credit rating agencies for their misconduct in connection with mortgage-backed securities. Betsy was the 2021 recipient of the Givens Visionary Award from The National Law Journal, was awarded a Wasserstein Fellowship by Harvard Law School, and was named Special Advisor to the Commission on Women in the Profession by the President of the American Bar Association in 2023. Betsy offers an introduction to the idea of polarities and “Both/And Thinking” and a high-level overview of these concepts and the science behind them. There are numerous such baffling polarities in the family enterprise and family office world. Even the name “family office” is a bit of an oxymoron encapsulating the polarities it contends with. One common polarity of diametrically opposed forces enterprise families experience is the importance of preserving and growing the family capital vs. putting it to work to make a positive impact. Another one is the tension between the desire to learn from and build on the wisdom and success of the older generation vs. the need to empower the rising generation to chart their own course. Yet another is the tug of war between the mission of the family office to steward and invest the family's financial capital vs. its role to educate and educate the human capital and ensure family members are happy and fulfilled. Besty shares her thoughts about these and similar polarities that affect enterprise families and provides some insight into how to best think about and deal with them. A great practical tool Betsy offers is the 2-dimensional chart that helps people visualize the polarities they are facing and understand and manage both the benefits and the overuses of each extreme end of the polarity continuum. She talks about this tool, how it can be used to not only understand the opposing forces and tendencies, but also to harness the benefits of each extreme while minimizing the counterproductive overuses. Betsy also describes some of the other practical and educational resources she recommends to those who wish to learn more about polarities, become better equipped to spot them, and develop their skills at applying a Both/And Thinking approach in their interactions with their fellow family members or with their family clients. Do not miss this illuminating conversation with one of the leading researchers and educators in the field of polarities and Both/And thinking.

Have you ever felt stuck between two seemingly opposite choices or found yourself seeing the world in absolutes? This week, we're joined by Dr. Wendy Smith, author of Both/And Thinking, to uncover how embracing paradoxes can help us tackle life's toughest problems. Wendy shares how shifting from an “either/or” to a “both/and” mindset can unlock better decision-making, foster creativity, and provide solutions to today's complex challenges—from personal dilemmas to organizational leadership. In our Grooving Session, we dive deeper into the concept of “both/and” thinking and explore its applications in leadership, personal decision-making, and workplace dynamics. We examine the evolutionary roots of black-and-white thinking and discuss why embracing nuance is more important than ever in our interconnected world. Whether you're navigating hybrid work policies, parenting challenges, or major life decisions, this perspective offers a fresh lens to solve problems both big and small. The easiest choice you'll make today? Saying yes to this episode! Join us for an insightful conversation with Wendy and find out why even ice cream dilemmas are worth a second thought. ©2024 Behavioral Grooves Topics [0:00] Introduction - Ice Cream Dilemmas and Both/And Thinking [6:14] Speed round with Wendy Smith [14:22] Understanding Paradoxes and Both/And Thinking [23:19] Practical Applications of Both/And Thinking [33:25] Challenges and Emotional Complexity [40:12] Using Both/And Thinking in Leadership and Personal Life [45:58] Desert Island Music [47:42] Grooving Session: How to Embrace Both/And Thinking in Your Everyday Life ©2024 Behavioral Grooves Links Both/And Thinking: Embracing Creative Tensions to Solve Your Toughest Problems Wendy Smith, PhD Thinking, Fast and Slow - Daniel Kahneman What is Both/And Thinking? Musical Links The Clash - Should I Stay or Should I Go  Wicked - Defying Gravity

In this insightful episode of The Tech Humanist Show, host Kate O'Neill welcomes Wendy Smith, the Dana J. Johnson Professor of Management at the University of Delaware. Wendy is an expert in strategic paradoxes and brings a wealth of knowledge from her groundbreaking work and acclaimed book, “BOTH/AND Thinking.” Wendy dives deep into the pitfalls […]

Sign Up For The Newsletter: https://jonathanraymond.com/#newsletter On today's episode of Good Authority, Jonathan sits down with Wendy Smith, the renowned author of Both/And Thinking, to delve into the traps of either-or thinking that affect our decision-making, relationships, and even political discourse. Wendy shares insights from her journey as a self-proclaimed "uncertain academic," exploring how embracing ambiguity and conflicting forces can become powerful tools in both personal and professional contexts. Together, they discuss why a “both/and” mindset is crucial for fostering understanding and avoiding the polarization that often stems from black-and-white thinking. Wendy explains how our natural comfort with certainty and simplicity can often limit our creativity, while a more expansive approach can help us see opposing ideas as interconnected rather than mutually exclusive. Throughout the episode, Jonathan and Wendy also examine how this mindset can aid leaders in guiding teams through complex challenges by balancing diverse perspectives, allowing them to navigate seemingly contradictory goals more effectively. Key takeaways from this episode are the value of embracing ambiguity to foster growth and creativity, practical methods for moving beyond polarizing perspectives, and strategies for leaders to guide teams through complex, contradictory challenges. Wendy Smith earned her Ph.D. in organizational behavior at Harvard Business School, and is currently a professor of management at the Alfred Lerner College of Business & Economics and Co-director of the Women's Leadership Initiative at the University of Delaware. Wendy's research focuses on strategic paradoxes – how leaders and senior teams effectively respond to contradictory agendas. She studies how organizations and their leaders simultaneously explore new possibilities while exploiting existing competencies, and how social enterprises simultaneously attend to social missions and financial goals. Her research has been published in journals such as Academy of Management Journal, Academy of Management Review, Administrative Science Quarterly, Harvard Business Review, Organization Science and Management Science. In 2018, she won the University of Delaware's first Mid-Career Excellence in Scholarship Award. In 2015, she won the Lerner College Outstanding Scholar Award. Wendy teaches leadership, organizational behavior and business ethics. She has taught MBAs and undergraduates at University of Delaware, Harvard and University of Pennsylvania – Wharton. Wendy was awarded the University of Delaware MBA Teaching Award in 2016. Wendy has also taught executive and senior leadership teams how to manage interpersonal dynamics, emotional intelligence, high performing teams, organizational change and innovation, managing in times of crisis, and managing strategic paradoxes. Connect with Wendy: https://bothandthinking.net/ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Try Ren, our AI Accountability Platform: https://rencoach.com/ Get the FREE Good Authority Audiobook: https://jonathanraymond.com/audiobook/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/agoodauthority

In this episode of the People Solve Problems podcast, host Jamie Flinchbaugh is joined by Dr. Wendy Smith, a professor at the University of Delaware and an acclaimed expert in organizational behavior. Wendy, who co-authored the book "Both/And Thinking," discusses the concept of how adopting a both/and mindset can enhance our problem-solving capabilities. With over 25 years of research and practical experience, Wendy explores the nuances of strategic paradoxes and how they influence leadership and decision-making. Wendy begins by explaining the fundamental premise of both/and thinking. She asserts that people frequently encounter tensions and competing demands in various aspects of their lives, from personal situations to organizational leadership. Traditionally, these tensions are framed as either/or dilemmas, where one must choose between two conflicting options. Wendy argues that this mindset limits creativity and can exacerbate problems. Instead, she advocates for a both/and approach that recognizes and embraces these tensions, leading to more innovative and sustainable solutions. Jamie and Wendy consider the psychological and structural aspects of adopting a both/and mindset. Wendy emphasizes that the way we frame our questions significantly impacts how we perceive and address problems. For instance, instead of asking whether to focus on quality or quantity, we should ask how to achieve both. This shift in perspective allows for a more holistic understanding of the problem and opens up new avenues for solutions. Wendy illustrates her points with practical examples, such as the ongoing challenge between maintaining existing products and innovating new ones. She describes her research at IBM, where successful leaders managed this tension by making micro-adjustments over time, a process she likens to tightrope walking. This method involves consistently balancing and rebalancing resources and priorities to accommodate both immediate needs and long-term goals. The conversation also touches on the importance of emotional and cognitive flexibility. Wendy introduces the ABCD framework from her book, which outlines four key areas for cultivating a both/and mindset: Assumptions (how we think) Boundaries (the structures we create) Comfort (how we feel) Dynamics (the practices we implement) She stresses that changing our habitual ways of thinking and questioning can significantly enhance our ability to find integrative solutions. Jamie appreciates the practical application of Wendy's framework, noting that it aligns well with traditional problem-solving stages: framing the problem, analyzing it, and identifying solutions. Wendy agrees and highlights the value of continuously revisiting and adjusting our approaches to stay aligned with both/and thinking. Towards the end of the episode, Jamie asks Wendy about the reception of her book. Wendy shares that she has been pleasantly surprised by how well the concept of paradox resonates with leaders and practitioners. She notes that many people find comfort and validation in recognizing the inherent tensions they face and are eager to adopt a both/and approach to navigate them effectively. Wendy's insights provide valuable guidance for anyone looking to enhance their problem-solving skills. Her emphasis on embracing paradoxes and shifting our mindset from either/or to both/and offers a powerful tool for fostering creativity and achieving sustainable success. For more on Wendy Smith's work, visit her website at www.bothandthinking.net and connect with her on LinkedIn.

In this episode, we are joined again 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: And on Substack here:   Wendy Smith, Both and Thinking, Aidan McCullen, innovation, paradox, decision making, leadership, career challenges, tension management, creativity, organisational behaviour, success, problem solving, conflict resolution

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

Order a copy of my book, "Passion Struck: Twelve Powerful Principles to Unlock Your Purpose and Ignite Your Most Intentional Life," today! This book, a 2024 must-read chosen by the Next Big Idea Club, has garnered multiple accolades, including the Business Minds Best Book Award, the Eric Hoffer Award, and the Non-Fiction Book Awards Gold Medal. Don't miss out on the opportunity to transform your life with these powerful principles!In this episode of Passion Struck, host John R. Miles interviews Professor Alex Edmans on the importance of critical thinking in a post-truth world. Edmans discusses biases such as confirmation bias and black-and-white thinking that affect how people interpret information. He highlights examples like the Brexit referendum and the narrative fallacy to illustrate how misinformation can influence decision-making. The episode emphasizes the need to scrutinize information, disentangle correlation from causation, and consider different perspectives to make informed decisions in a world filled with misinformation.Full show notes and resources can be found here: https://passionstruck.com/alex-edmans-critical-thinking-a-post-truth-world/In this episode, you will learn:Post-truth world: Misinformation is prevalent and people tend to believe what aligns with their biases and identity, rather than facts.Data interpretation: Data can be manipulated to support a particular narrative, leading to misleading conclusions.Narrative fallacy: Creating a cause-effect explanation where none exists, often seen in successful books and talks that present a simplified story to explain success.Causation vs. correlation: Understanding the difference is crucial to avoid misinterpreting data and drawing incorrect conclusions.Context matters: Cultural context influences how information is perceived and spread, highlighting the importance of understanding different perspectives.Critical thinking: Applying critical thinking skills to scrutinize information, consider alternativeAll things Alex Edmans: https://alexedmans.com/SponsorsBrought to you by Clariton, fast and powerful relief is just a quick trip away. Ask for Claritin-D at your local pharmacy counter. You don't even need a prescription! Go to “CLARITIN DOT COM” right now for a discount so you can Live Claritin Clear.--► For information about advertisers and promo codes, go to:https://passionstruck.com/deals/Catch More of Passion StruckCan't miss my episode with Marianne Lewis and Wendy Smith on Applying Both/And Thinking to Solve Your Toughest ProblemsMy solo episode on Does the Concept of Free Will Really ExistListen to my interview with Dr. Dolly Chugh on A More Just Future and How Biases Impact Our LivesWatch my episode with Arthur Smith on the Mind-blowing Art of Intentional StorytellingCan't miss my episode with Katy Milkman on Creating Lasting Behavior Change for GoodLike this show? Please leave us a review here-- even one sentence helps! Consider including your Twitter or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally!

FREE Download - Employee Journey MapLinks: https://www.enterpriseexcellenceacademy.com/employee-experience-journey-mapSummary Keywordsorganisation, teams, people, product, design, learning, employee, build, agility, based, business, shaped, skills, centred, agile, experience, programme, thinking, called, work.IntroductionWelcome to episode 173 of the Enterprise Excellence Podcast. It is such a pleasure to have Natal Dank back on the show with us today. Natal was on the Podcast with us previously, back on episode 122, discussing her award-winning book Agile HR. Natal is a leader in the field of leading and improving organisational Agility culturally. Today, we will discuss her upcoming book Agile L&D: The New Organisational Playbook. We are proudly sponsored by S A Partners, a world-leading business transformation consultancy.Episode Links:Youtube Full Episode https://youtu.be/ayJhLQdjD-4Youtube Two-Minute Tip: https://youtu.be/UPIwa1TXgCAEnterprise Excellence Academy web: https://www.enterpriseexcellenceacademy.com/podcast/episode/7a263d84/173-agile-landd-the-new-organisational-playbook-with-natal-dank  ContactsBrad: Connect via LinkedIn or call him at 0402 448 445 or email bjeavons@iqi.com.au. Visit Natal on LinkedIn - she always responds and is up for a chat. Join her HR community at PXO culture: https://www.pxoculture.com/What's next?1.     Download the new resources https://www.enterpriseexcellenceacademy.com/downloads2.     Join our next community meeting.  https://www.enterpriseexcellenceacademy.com/community.3.     Listen to Natal's previous podcast, #122 Natal Dank Agile HR – Deliver value in a changing world of work, https://www.enterpriseexcellenceacademy.com/podcast/episode/78e92649/122-natal-dank-agile-hr-deliver-value-in-a-changing-world-of-work.4.     Book that Brad recommends: Both/And Thinking by Wendy Smith and Marianne Lewis. Shortened link: https://www.amazon.com.au/Both-Thinking-Embracing-Creative-Tensions/To learn more about what we do, visit www.enterpriseexcellenceacademy.com.Thanks for your time, and thanks for helping to create a better future.

Today I'm joined by Wendy Smith, author of "BOTH/AND THINKING", to discuss how to turn the challenges we all face everyday of our lives into opportunities for growth and development.   Sponsored by https://www.b2bframeworks.com

In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, you will learn from Priscilla McKinney about the power of collaboration in business. Priscilla emphasizes the mindset shift required for successful collaborations. She highlights the importance of embracing different perspectives, being prepared for unexpected situations, and thinking on your feet. Priscilla also discusses the value of connections and networking, sharing her own collaboration with host Melina Palmer at an event. They demonstrate that collaboration can exist even among competitors, bringing unique perspectives and ideas to the table.  Priscilla's book, Collaboration is the New Competition, provides practical guidance on fostering collaboration within organizations. By shifting from competition to collaboration, businesses can thrive in today's interconnected world. Key takeaways include understanding people's behavior in marketing, the value of collaboration in business success, the power of networking, and the need for differentiation. This engaging and thought-provoking conversation highlights collaboration as a key driver of innovation, growth, and success in business. In this episode: Enhance collaboration and foster partnerships for increased business success. Unlock the power of mindset to drive effective collaboration. Build valuable connections through strategic networking. Shift from scarcity to abundance mindset for greater collaboration opportunities. Harness the power of differentiation to drive successful collaborations. Show Notes: 00:00:00 - Introduction, Introduction to the episode and guest, Priscilla McKinney, who is the author of Collaboration is the New Competition. 00:02:06 - Background and Expertise Priscilla shares her background as the CEO of Little Bird Marketing and her experience in anthropology. She emphasizes the importance of understanding people and culture in marketing. 00:05:01 - Personal Experiences and Cultural Anthropology Priscilla discusses how her personal experiences as a missionary's child and living in different countries shaped her understanding of collaboration, culture, and the importance of getting along. 00:07:39 - Collaboration and Marketing Priscilla explains the connection between collaboration, marketing, behavioral science, and cultural anthropology. She highlights the role of collaboration in building strong relationships and achieving success in business. 00:09:52 - Origin of Collaboration The discussion revolves around Melina's collaboration with Maru Group and Protobrand, where Will Leach connected her as the MC. They emphasize the value of collaboration and how it can overcome competition. 00:16:09 - The Value of Collaboration Priscilla discusses the value of collaboration and how her early experiences in the credit union industry taught her the importance of cooperation and sharing ideas. She emphasizes the abundance mindset and the willingness of credit unions to help each other thrive. 00:17:30 - The Power of Networking Priscilla and Melina highlight their shared experiences in the banking and credit union industry. They highlight the importance of surrounding yourself with like-minded people who are willing to collaborate and share knowledge. Priscilla emphasizes the cooperative nature of the market research industry. 00:18:57 - Opening Minds to Collaboration Priscilla encourages readers to open their minds to collaboration and challenges them to rethink their previous experiences with it. She suggests that what people may have considered collaboration in the past may not have been true collaboration. She invites readers to give it another try. 00:20:21 - Collaboration Gone Wrong Priscilla discusses the common pitfalls of collaboration, using the example of a group project in which one student ends up doing all the work while others take credit. She emphasizes the need for equity, transparency, and a desire to win for true collaboration to occur. 00:24:24 - The Framework for Collaboration Priscilla outlines the three essential elements for successful collaboration: having something to lose and gain, being transparent and open, and having a desire to win for the benefit of all involved. 00:30:49 - Moving from Scarcity to Abundance Mindset Priscilla discusses the importance of shifting from a scarcity mindset to an abundance mindset. Instead of always trying to get their way, she encourages a mindset of helping others and believing that everyone can achieve their goals. 00:31:26 - Itchy Backs - Cultivating a Helping Mindset Priscilla explains the concept of "itchy backs," where you focus on meeting the needs of others. By being aware of what others need and offering help, you can build strong relationships and collaboration opportunities. 00:34:31 - The Rule of 15 - Inspiring Collaboration Priscilla introduces the Rule of 15, which emphasizes the importance of creating content that inspires collaboration. Building relationships takes time, and it's essential to pay it forward and show genuine interest in others before expecting collaboration opportunities. 00:35:53 - LinkedIn Cocktail Party - Shifting Mindset Priscilla suggests thinking of LinkedIn as an online cocktail party rather than just a social media platform. She highlights the importance of showing up correctly, curating a great guest list, and being a good conversationalist to build meaningful connections. 00:38:59 - Avoiding Pitch Slapping - Building Relationships Priscilla discusses the negative impact of pitch-slapping, where people immediately try to sell or pitch their services without building a relationship first. She encourages being mindful of etiquette and building relationships before asking for anything. 00:44:49 - Collaboration and Feedback on the Book Priscilla discusses her book and invites Melina to read it and provide feedback for the second edition. They encourage listeners to connect with Priscilla on LinkedIn and check out her website to get a copy of the book and share it with others. 00:45:17 - Continued Collaboration and Friendship Melina expresses her enjoyment of talking with Priscilla and their ongoing collaboration. Priscilla is referred to as a friend of the podcast forever, and Melina offers her support for any future collaborations. 00:45:47 - Supporting the Podcast Priscilla encourages listeners to give an amazing rating to the Brainy Business podcast as a way to support Melina and help more people find the show. She emphasizes the importance of leading with giving and suggests this as a good deed for the day. 00:46:19 - Treating LinkedIn Like a Cocktail Party Melina recalls Priscilla's session at the IIEX Europe Conference where she talked about treating LinkedIn like a cocktail party. She mentions the relatability and engagement of the session and expresses her excitement about discussing it in Priscilla's book. 00:47:11 -  Conclusion, Melina's top insights from the conversation. What stuck with you while listening to the episode? What are you going to try? Come share it with Melina on social media -- you'll find her as @thebrainybiz everywhere and as Melina Palmer on LinkedIn. Thanks for listening. Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Android. If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.  I hope you love everything recommended via The Brainy Business! Everything was independently reviewed and selected by me, Melina Palmer. So you know, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. That means if you decide to shop from the links on this page (via Amazon or others), The Brainy Business may collect a share of sales or other compensation. Let's connect: Melina@TheBrainyBusiness.com The Brainy Business® on Facebook The Brainy Business on Twitter The Brainy Business on Instagram The Brainy Business on LinkedIn Melina on LinkedIn The Brainy Business on Youtube Connect with Priscilla: Priscilla's Website    PRISCILLA ON LINKEDIN PRISCILLA ON TWITTER Learn and Support The Brainy Business: Check out and get your copies of Melina's Books.  Get the Books Mentioned on (or related to) this Episode: Collaboration is the New Competition, by Priscilla McKinney What Your Customer Wants and Can't Tell You, by Melina Palmer You're Invited, by Jon Levy Think Faster, Talk Smarter, by Matt Abrahams Influence, by Robert Cialdini Top Recommended Next Episode: You're Invited, with Jon Levy (ep 348) Already Heard That One? Try These:  Anthropology, Behavioral Economics, and Marketing, with Priscilla McKinney (ep 196) The Power of Us, with Dominic Packer (ep 304) For The Culture, with Marcus Collins (ep 305) Vulnerability Loops (ep 229) Anchoring (ep 11) Reciprocity (ep 238) Influence, with Robert Cialdini (ep 312) Think Faster, Talk Smarter, with Matt Abrahams (ep 327) Marketing to Mindstates, with Will Leach (ep 88) Survivorship Bias (ep 110) Focusing Illusion (ep 330) Both/And Thinking, with Wendy Smith (ep 261) Framing (ep 296) Scarcity (ep 270) The Fun Habit with Mike Rucker (ep 251) The Human Experience, with John Sills (ep 277) The Science of Connection, with Nick Epley (ep 265) Other Important Links:  Brainy Bites - Melina's LinkedIn Newsletter LITTLE BIRD MARKETING WEBSITE Women In Research website LittleBirdMarketing.com/Resources

In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, you'll dive into a fascinating discussion with host Melina Palmer about books that have the power to change the way you think. As an avid reader herself, Melina shares her personal experiences with impactful books and how they have shaped her understanding of the mind. She presents a diverse list of nine books that have had a profound impact on her thinking, covering topics such as combinatorial thinking, binary thinking, innovation inspired by nature, the influence of metaphors, and more.  With each book recommendation, Melina provides key insights and takeaways, highlighting the importance of these books in improving our understanding of behavioral science, decision-making, and communication. Whether you're a book lover or someone looking to expand your thinking, this episode is packed with valuable recommendations that will inspire and transform your mindset. So grab your favorite reading spot, get ready to discover new perspectives, and let these books change the way you think. In this episode, you will: Enhance your thinking and broaden your perspective by exploring impactful books that have the power to change the way you think. Unlock the power of combinatorial thinking and discover how asking great questions can lead to innovative ideas and fresh insights. Expand your options and make better decisions by challenging binary thinking and embracing a both/and mindset that embraces paradoxes. Draw inspiration from nature's ingenious problem-solving solutions and apply them to your own challenges for simple and effective problem-solving and innovation. Understand the influential role of metaphors in communication and decision-making, and learn how to harness their power to effectively convey ideas and align them with business objectives. Show Notes: 00:00:00 - Introduction, Melina introduces the episode and shares her love for reading books. She discusses how books have influenced her thinking and announces that she will be sharing a list of books that have changed the way she thinks. 00:02:04 - The Power of Questions - A More Beautiful Question, Melina discusses the book A More Beautiful Question by Warren Berger. She explains how the concept of combinatorial thinking and asking great questions can lead to innovation and a better understanding of how the mind works. 00:06:37 - Embracing Both And Thinking, Melina introduces the book Both and Thinking by Wendy Smith and Marianne Lewis. She discusses how the book explores the idea of embracing paradoxes and avoiding binary thinking. This can lead to better decision-making and a broader perspective. 00:09:58 - Solving Problems with Nature - Evolutionary Ideas, Melina talks about the book Evolutionary Ideas by Sam Tatum. She explains how the book demonstrates how nature can inspire creative and practical solutions to human problems. She shares examples from the book, including the bullet train inspired by a kingfisher. 00:15:23 - Introduction to Semiotics in Retail and Marketing, Rachel Laws has written two books on semiotics: Using Semiotics in Retail and Using Semiotics in Marketing. These books provide real-world examples of how semiotics can be used to understand and leverage symbols and metaphors in business. The example of the Jam of Death Fruit spread company shows how the wrong symbols can make a store unappealing to customers. 00:18:02 - How Minds Change by David McRaney, How Minds Change by David McRaney is a mind-blowing book that explores how people's minds can change in drastic ways. McRaney shares insights from experts and his own experiences to understand why some people change their minds while others remain stuck. The book offers fundamental insights into how the brain is wired and how we can change our own minds and influence others. 00:20:50 - The Similarities Between How Minds Change and Look, Although How Minds Change and Look are 100% different books, they are inherently similar at their core. Both books offer fascinating insights into how our brains make sense of the world and how we can observe and reflect on our surroundings. Look provides examples for nonprofit fundraising and how observation can lead to solutions. 00:23:35 - The Power of US by Dominic Packer and Jay Van Beavel, The Power of US explores how individuals shift through various identities throughout the day and how this impacts their actions and interactions. 00:30:31 - Finding Happiness in Small Moments, Melina discusses the importance of finding time for oneself and engaging in activities that bring happiness. She highlights the book Happier Hour by Cassie Holmes, which provides tasks and insights to help create a happier life. 00:31:19 - Recap of Books on Changing Thinking, A recap of the books mentioned in the episode, including A More Beautiful Question by Warren Berger, How to Think by Wendy Smith and Marianne Lewis, and Metaphors We Live By by George Lakoff and Mark Johnson. Melina emphasizes the value of these books in changing one's thinking. 00:32:39 - Conclusion, Melina's top insights from the conversation. What stuck with you while listening to the episode? What are you going to try? Come share it with Melina on social media -- you'll find her as @thebrainybiz everywhere and as Melina Palmer on LinkedIn. Thanks for listening. Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Android. If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.  I hope you love everything recommended via The Brainy Business! Everything was independently reviewed and selected by me, Melina Palmer. So you know, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. That means if you decide to shop from the links on this page (via Amazon or others), The Brainy Business may collect a share of sales or other compensation. Let's connect: Melina@TheBrainyBusiness.com The Brainy Business® on Facebook The Brainy Business on Twitter The Brainy Business on Instagram The Brainy Business on LinkedIn Melina on LinkedIn The Brainy Business on Youtube Learn and Support The Brainy Business: Check out and get your copies of Melina's Books.  Get the Books Mentioned on (or related to) this Episode: Metaphors We Live By, by George Lakoff and Mark Johnson Evolutionary Ideas, by Sam Tatam Both/And Thinking, by Wendy Smith and Marianne Lewis How Minds Change, by David McRaney Look, by Christian Madsbjerg Top Recommended Next Episode: Melina's go to brainy books (ep 342) Already Heard That One? Try These:  A More Beautiful Question, with Warren Berger (ep 340) Evolutionary Ideas, with Sam Tatam (ep 204) Both/And Thinking, with Wendy Smith (ep 261) What is cognitive semiotics? With Sarah Thompson (ep 259) Using Semiotics in Marketing and Retail, with Rachel Lawes (ep 191) How Minds Change, with David McRaney (ep 336) Look, with Christian Madsbjerg (ep 325) The Power of Us, with Dominic Packer (ep 304) Selfless, with Brian Lowery (ep 331) Happier Hour, with Cassie Holmes (ep 257) Time discounting (ep 328) The Power of Metaphor, with Olson Zaltman (ep 181) Other Important Links:  Brainy Bites - Melina's LinkedIn Newsletter All The Books – 2022 Edition The Best Books To Have More Influence At Work (via Shepherd) 12 Behavioral Science Books Every Consumer Insights Professional Must Read (via Greenbook)

In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, you'll hear an insightful interview with Warren Berger, an expert in the power of questioning. Warren's exploration of design thinking led him to delve into the origins of breakthrough innovations, startups, and the role of questioning in driving them. His books, A More Beautiful Question and The Book of Beautiful Questions, provide frameworks and examples for using questioning effectively in different domains of life.  Warren emphasizes the importance of questioning in education, business, relationships, and leadership. He highlights the transformative power of asking beautiful questions, which can lead to continuous learning, innovation, and deeper connections with others. By embracing questioning, individuals and organizations can unlock their full potential and lead a path of growth and discovery. In this episode: Unleash your potential and drive personal and professional growth by harnessing the power of questioning. Discover how questioning plays a vital role in design thinking and innovation, and unlock new possibilities in your creative endeavors. Ignite exploration and creativity by asking beautiful questions that inspire curiosity and push the boundaries of what is possible. Foster continuous improvement and engagement by incorporating mission questions into your personal and professional life. Learn how questioning can enhance interpersonal relationships, problem-solving, and lead to deeper connections and understanding. Show Notes: 00:00:00 - Introduction, Introduction to the podcast episode and the guest, Warren Berger, who is an expert in questioning and author of the book A More Beautiful Question. 00:01:23 - Importance of Questioning, Warren discusses the importance of questioning and how it is a powerful tool for problem-solving and decision-making. He emphasizes that questioning should be recognized as a field of study and incorporated into education and business training. 00:04:29 - Questioning and Design Thinking, Warren explains his background in writing about design thinking and how it led him to explore the role of questioning in problem-solving. He highlights that designers and successful business leaders are often skilled questioners. 00:07:06 - Researching Questions, Warren shares his research approach, which involves studying how different fields and professionals use questioning. He mentions sources such as Harvard Business Review and Psychology Today, and notes that there are few books dedicated solely to questioning. 00:10:47 - The Challenge of Writing about Questions, Warren discusses the challenge of expanding the topic of questioning from a chapter in a book to multiple books. He emphasizes the limitless depth and breadth of the subject and his commitment to exploring it fully. 00:15:26 - The Power of Questioning, Warren discusses how questioning leads to breakthroughs and innovation, emphasizing that many innovations start with a simple question. He introduces his first book, which explores the general concept of questioning with a focus on innovation. 00:16:16 - Questioning in Different Areas, Warren explains that people approach questioning from different angles depending on their interests. He highlights the relationships between questioning and creativity, decision-making, relationships with others, and leadership. Businesses are recognizing the importance of leaders who can ask insightful questions. 00:17:31 - The Book of Beautiful Questions, Warren's second book delves into four key areas where questioning is relevant: creativity, leadership, relationships, and decision-making. He offers examples of useful questions in each area and encourages readers to come up with their own. 00:18:31 - Questioning in Education, Warren's third book, targeted at educators, focuses on how to encourage students to ask more questions. He emphasizes the importance of engaging students' curiosity and creating a classroom environment where questioning is encouraged. 00:21:02 - Modeling Questioning Behavior, Warner discusses the importance of modeling questioning behavior, both for teachers and parents. He explains that demonstrating a balance of confidence and humility as a questioner can inspire others and create a more approachable leadership style. Intellectual curiosity is a valuable trait for both leaders and learners. 00:30:45 - The Three Types of Questions, The three types of questions are why, what if, and how. These questions work together in a cycle to push you forward and prevent you from getting stuck. Each question serves a different purpose in the problem-solving process. 00:31:19 - The Importance of the Why Question, The why question helps you understand the problem and its importance. However, it's important not to get trapped in the philosophical stage of constantly asking why. The why question is the first step in the process. 00:31:50 - Moving to the What If Stage, After asking why and gaining an understanding of the problem, it's time to start asking what if. This stage is for brainstorming and speculating on possible solutions. However, it's important not to get stuck in this stage and move on to the next. 00:32:28 - The How Question, The “how” question is about implementation and practicality. It's about figuring out how to solve the problem and get started. This question should be the last step in the process, after understanding the problem and exploring possible solutions. 00:35:30 - The Importance of Spending Time on Each Stage, It's important not to rush through any of the stages. Spending time on each stage ensures that you have a deep understanding of the problem, explore different possibilities, and then figure out how to implement the solution. Don't shortchange any of the stages. 00:44:52 - The Power of Beautiful Questions, Warren discusses the importance of formulating a powerful question that can drive motivation and purpose. He encourages individuals and companies to focus on mission questions rather than mission statements, as questions are ongoing and open-ended. 00:46:14 - Finding Your Beautiful Question, Warren encourages listeners to find their own beautiful question, a question that they can continuously pursue and work on throughout their lives. He also suggests that businesses should have mission questions that drive their purpose and motivate their employees. 00:47:18 -  Conclusion, Melina's top insights from the conversation. What stuck with you while listening to the episode? What are you going to try? Come share it with Melina on social media -- you'll find her as @thebrainybiz everywhere and as Melina Palmer on LinkedIn. Thanks for listening. Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Android. If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.  I hope you love everything recommended via The Brainy Business! Everything was independently reviewed and selected by me, Melina Palmer. So you know, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. That means if you decide to shop from the links on this page (via Amazon or others), The Brainy Business may collect a share of sales or other compensation. Let's connect: Melina@TheBrainyBusiness.com The Brainy Business® on Facebook The Brainy Business on Twitter The Brainy Business on Instagram The Brainy Business on LinkedIn Melina on LinkedIn The Brainy Business on Youtube Connect with Warren: WARREN'S WEBSITE WARREN ON TWITTER WARREN ON LINKEDIN Learn and Support The Brainy Business: Check out and get your copies of Melina's Books.  Get the Books Mentioned on (or related to) this Episode: A More Beautiful Question, by Warren Berger Beautiful Questions in the Classroom, by Warren Berger The Book of Beautiful Questions, by Warren Berger CAD Monkeys, Dinosaur Babies, and T-Shaped People, by Warren Berger Both/And Thinking, by Wendy Smith Top Recommended Next Episode: Questionstorming at KIND (ep 215) Already Heard That One? Try These:  Dunning-Kruger Effect (ep 266) What Problem Are You Solving? (ep 126) Framing (ep 296) Questions or Answers (ep 4) Bikeshedding (ep 99) Priming (ep 252) Influence Is Your Superpower with Zoe Chance (ep 308) How Businesses Can Design for Behavior Change, with Amy Bucher (ep 164) You're Invited! with Jon Levy (ep 150) Nudging for Good at Walmart (ep 206) Both/And Thinking, with Wendy Smith (ep 261) Is There a System 3? with Leigh Caldwell (ep 233) What is Cognitive Semiotics? with Sarah Thompson (ep 259) Other Important Links:  Brainy Bites - Melina's LinkedIn Newsletter Warren Berger TED Talk: Nurturing the Ability to Question Right Question Institute The Questionologist, Psychology Today Warren Berger Articles, Harvard Business Review

In this Encore Episode from Summer 2022, meet Marianne Lewis, Dean of the Carl H. Lindner College of Business and co-author of the breakthrough book from the Harvard Business Review Press, Both/And Thinking: Embracing Creative Tensions to Solve Your Toughest Problems in this Encore Episode from Summer 2022."An insightful and inspiring book on using "both/and" thinking to make more creative, flexible, and impactful decisions in a world of competing demands.Life is full of paradoxes. How can we each express our individuality while also being a team player? How do we balance work and life? How can we improve diversity while promoting opportunities for all? How can we manage the core business while innovating for the future?"About MarianneMarianne W. Lewis is dean and professor of management at the Carl H. Lindner College of Business, University of Cincinnati. She previously served as dean of Cass (now Bayes) Business School at City, University of London. A thought leader in organizational paradoxes, she explores tensions surrounding leadership and innovation. Lewis has been recognized among the world's most-cited researchers in her field (Web of Science) and received the Paper of the Year award (2000) and Decade Award (2021) from the Academy of Management Review. Her work also appears in media outlets, such as Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, and Newsweek. Her latest book Both/And Thinking is published by Harvard Business School Press. Lewis earned her MBA from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University, and her PhD from the Gatton College of Business and Economics at the University of Kentucky. About MichaelMichael is the Founder & President of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc. and a Senior Advisor to Retail Council of Canada and the Bank of Canada as part of his advisory and consulting practice. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, Today's Shopping Choice and Pandora Jewellery.   Michael has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career. He has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions with C-level executives and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels. ReThink Retail has added Michael to their prestigious Top Global Retail Influencers list for 2023 for the third year in a row.Michael is also the president of Maven Media, producing a network of leading trade podcasts, including Canada's top retail industry podcast_,_ The Voice of Retail. He produces and co-hosts Remarkable Retail with best-selling author Steve Dennis, now ranked one of the top retail podcasts in the world. Based in San Francisco, Global eCommerce Leaders podcast explores global cross-border issues and opportunities for eCommerce brands and retailers. Last but not least, Michael is the producer and host of the "Last Request Barbeque" channel on YouTube, where he cooks meals to die for - and collaborates with top brands as a food and product influencer across North America.

In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, you'll hear a fascinating conversation between host Melina Palmer and guest David McRaney. They delve into the power of perception and how our minds construct reality. David shares his journey of discovering the topic of perception while researching for his book. The discussion explores how our prior experiences and brain processes influence our perception, and how our perception can vary greatly based on individual differences. By understanding the power of perception, you'll gain valuable insights that can enhance your content creation and improve your understanding of how we construct our reality. So, join Melina and David on this thought-provoking episode to expand your knowledge and gain a new perspective on perception. In this episode: Discover the science behind psychology and behavior change. Explore the power of perception and how our minds construct reality, revealing the impact it has on our thoughts, feelings, and actions. Understand the intricacies of belief change and gain practical strategies for effectively changing minds and transforming perspectives. Bonus: Learn expert tips for conducting interviews and securing interesting guests to keep your podcast episodes compelling and informative. Show Notes: 00:00:00 - Introduction, Melina Palmer introduces this episode, featuring a conversation with David McRaney about his book "How Minds Change." She explains that the book explores the psychology of changing minds and discusses why she chose to feature this episode. 00:02:32 - David McRaney's Background, David shares his background, from owning businesses to working in journalism and local television. He talks about starting his blog, You Are Not So Smart, which led to a book deal and a successful podcast. He mentions his interest in biases, fallacies, and critical thinking. 00:05:00 - Overview of How Minds Change, David introduces his book, How Minds Change, which explores the psychology of changing opinions, persuasion, and social change. He discusses his fascination with understanding conspiratorial thinking, resistance to change, and misinformation. 00:07:59 - Advice for Discerning Pursuits, David advises against jumping into trends and suggests pursuing topics that spark a deep curiosity and obsession. He recommends exploring areas that you want to share with others and that drive you to learn more. 00:10:53 - Importance of Following an Obsession, David emphasizes the importance of following an obsession and delving deep into a topic of interest. He shares his personal experience with his blog, You Are Not So Smart, and how his curiosity led to the success of his book and podcast. 00:14:02 - The Importance of Enthusiasm and Passion in Podcasts, David discusses how he can quickly tell if a podcast is just following an algorithm, and emphasizes the importance of infectious enthusiasm and passion in keeping listeners engaged. 00:14:30 - The Need for Genuine Interest in Writing a Book, David's agent stresses the importance of genuine passion and commitment when pitching book ideas, and he agrees that he prefers to embark on a book project without all the answers, allowing the authoritative voice to emerge naturally. 00:15:17 - McRaney's Approach to Writing a Book, As a journalist, David believes that his books are better when his authoritative voice develops throughout the project, taking readers on a journey of discovery and learning alongside him. 00:18:04 - Behavioral Baking and Connecting with the Audience, David shares his experience with introducing a cookie segment on his podcast, where he would bake cookies and share them with his audience. While some loved it, others were not as enthusiastic, leading David to retire the segment after 100 episodes. Melina discusses his concept of "Behavioral Baking" and how it ties into her podcast. 00:28:08 - The Power of Networking, David shares his experience of reaching out to experts at NYU and how it led to valuable connections and collaborations for his podcast and book projects. 00:29:33 - The Fascination with the Dress, David discusses the viral phenomenon of "the dress," an image that appeared on the internet and sparked intense debate over its colors. He explains how this event became a touchstone for understanding disagreements and perception. 00:31:35 - The Importance of Curiosity, David emphasizes the importance of curiosity and asking questions when networking and conducting interviews. He shares advice from a seasoned journalist on always coming back with multiple story ideas to avoid writer's block. 00:32:45 - The Dress Phenomenon Explained, McRaney delves into the psychology and neuroscience behind the dress illusion. He explains how the brain processes overexposed images and how this can lead to different color perceptions. He references the strawberries illusion as another example. 00:43:09 - Going Beyond Right and Wrong, Engaging in arguments over who is right and who is wrong prevents deeper conversations about why people hold different interpretations. This applies to various disagreements and limits our understanding of ourselves and others. 00:45:25 - The Croc Experiment, The croc experiment demonstrated the surf pad concept by showing that people's prior experiences influenced how they perceived the color of crocs and socks under different lighting conditions. This bizarre experiment highlights the complexity of perception and how it varies among individuals. 00:49:36 - Minds Changing on Same-Sex Marriage, The shift in attitudes towards same-sex marriage challenged the notion that people can't change their minds. Understanding what happens in a person's brain when they no longer agree with their past beliefs became the focus of investigation. 00:51:28 - How to Change Minds, Changing minds requires moving away from a confrontational approach and towards compassionate listening. Brute-forcing facts on others doesn't work; instead, engaging in non-judgmental conversations that allow for understanding can lead to effective persuasion. 00:55:43 - Conclusion, Melina's top insights from the conversation. What stuck with you while listening to the episode? What are you going to try? Come share it with Melina on social media -- you'll find her as @thebrainybiz everywhere and as Melina Palmer on LinkedIn. Thanks for listening. Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Android. If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.  I hope you love everything recommended via The Brainy Business! Everything was independently reviewed and selected by me, Melina Palmer. So you know, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. That means if you decide to shop from the links on this page (via Amazon or others), The Brainy Business may collect a share of sales or other compensation. Let's connect: Melina@TheBrainyBusiness.com The Brainy Business® on Facebook The Brainy Business on Twitter The Brainy Business on Instagram The Brainy Business on LinkedIn Melina on LinkedIn The Brainy Business on Youtube Connect with David: DAVID'S WEBSITE DAVID ON TWITTER DAVID ON LINKEDIN Learn and Support The Brainy Business: Check out and get your copies of Melina's Books.  Get the Books Mentioned on (or related to) this Episode: How Minds Change, by David McRaney You Are Not So Smart, by David McRaney You Are Now Less Dumb, by David McRaney What Your Employees Need and Can't Tell You, by Melina Palmer Look, by Christian Madsbjerg Top Recommended Next Episode: Confirmation Bias (ep 260) Already Heard That One? Try These:  Robert Cialdini and the (Now!) 7 Principles of Persuasion (ep 312) Influence Is Your Superpower with Yale's Dr. Zoe Chance (ep 189) A More Beautiful Question with Warren Berger (episode 200) Indistractible, with Nir Eyal (ep 290) Survivorship Bias (ep 110) Focusing Illusion (ep 330) Priming (ep 252) What is Behavioral Baking? (episode 155) Partitioning (ep 252) You Have More Influence Than You Think with Vanessa Bohns (ep 318) The Power of Us with Dr. Dominic Packer (ep 304) Reciprocity (ep 238) Sense Of Smell (ep 298) Sense of Sight (ep 24) Look, with Christian Madsbjerg (ep 325) A More Just Future, with Dolly Chugh (ep 247) Negativity Bias (ep 223) The Dunning Kruger Effect (ep 266) Both/And Thinking, with Wendy Smith (ep 261) Other Important Links:  Brainy Bites - Melina's LinkedIn Newsletter You Are Not So Smart Website The Dress Strawberry Illusion

Melina Palmer dives deep into the concept of the focusing illusion and its impact on our perceptions and decisions. Melina introduces the concept by explaining that the focusing illusion is a cognitive bias where we give disproportionate weight to one specific aspect of a situation while neglecting other factors that matter and may have a greater impact. This bias can lead us to make decisions based on a distorted view of reality. The discussion moves on to how the focusing illusion affects individuals and businesses alike.  Melina shares examples such as people overestimating the impact of winning the lottery on their happiness, or forming negative perceptions of a restaurant based on a single negative review about the cleanliness of the floor. These examples highlight the importance of looking beyond surface-level factors and considering the broader context. By understanding the influence of the focusing illusion, businesses can make more informed decisions that align with reality and effectively tailor their messaging to resonate with their target audience. Whether you're an individual looking to make better personal choices or a business seeking to improve your marketing strategies, this podcast episode offers help so you navigate the pitfalls of this cognitive bias.  In this episode: Explore the profound reach of the focusing illusion on your perspective and decision-making. Gain unique insights into how the focusing illusion shapes our happiness projections. Understand the danger of exaggerating the significance of certain variables on your happiness. Dive into how businesses can use the focusing illusion. Appreciate why pinpointing the focusing illusion is a necessary step in decision-making processes. Show Notes: 00:00:00 - Introduction, Melina Palmer introduces episode 330 of The Brainy Business podcast, which focuses on the concept of the focusing illusion and its impact on our perception of happiness. 00:03:08 - The Focusing Illusion, The focusing illusion is a cognitive bias that causes us to place too much weight on certain aspects of our lives or experiences, leading us to overestimate their impact on our overall happiness. 00:07:11 - Impact on Decision Making, The focusing illusion can influence our decision-making by causing us to prioritize certain factors, even if they are not truly as important as we believe them to be. This can lead to biased perceptions and actions. 00:09:27 - The Halo Effect, The halo effect is a related cognitive bias that can be influenced by the focusing illusion. It causes us to form positive or negative impressions of someone based on limited information or initial traits. 00:12:39 - Sequence Matters, The sequence in which we observe characteristics or information about a person can heavily influence our perception and interpretation. The halo effect and the focusing illusion can both be influenced by the order in which information is presented. 00:16:27 - The Impact of Bias on Relationships, Bias can create a self-fulfilling prophecy in relationships, leading to a vicious cycle of negative interactions. It's important to step back and consider if your bias is guiding your interactions and if there may be a different perspective to consider. 00:18:13 - The Focusing Illusion and Facing Mortality, The focusing illusion causes us to focus on the potential last interactions with loved ones when facing serious illnesses or life-changing events. But the truth is, every interaction could be the last, so it's important to let go of grudges and focus on what really matters. 00:21:09 - Applying the Focusing Illusion in Business, The focusing illusion can impact our approach to projects and business decisions. By changing our filter and considering different perspectives, we can uncover hidden problems or opportunities that may have been overlooked. 00:24:57 - Narrowing Your Message for Business Success, In business, it's important to focus on what really matters to your target market. By narrowing your message and aligning it with your customer's mind state, you can create a stronger connection and motivate them to take action. 00:27:31 - Conclusion, Melina's top insights from the conversation. What stuck with you while listening to the episode? What are you going to try? Come share it with Melina on social media -- you'll find her as @thebrainybiz everywhere and as Melina Palmer on LinkedIn. Thanks for listening. Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Android. If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.  I hope you love everything recommended via The Brainy Business! Everything was independently reviewed and selected by me, Melina Palmer. So you know, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. That means if you decide to shop from the links on this page (via Amazon or others), The Brainy Business may collect a share of sales or other compensation. Let's connect: Melina@TheBrainyBusiness.com The Brainy Business® on Facebook The Brainy Business on Twitter The Brainy Business on Instagram The Brainy Business on LinkedIn Melina on LinkedIn The Brainy Business on Youtube Learn and Support The Brainy Business: Check out and get your copies of Melina's Books.  Get the Books Mentioned on (or related to) this Episode: Selfless, by Brian Lowery What Your Employees Need and Can't Tell You, by Melina Palmer Thinking, Fast and Slow, by Daniel Kahneman Marketing to Mindstates, by Will Leach Both/And Thinking, by Wendy Smith and Marianne Lewis Top Recommended Next Episode: Confirmation Bias (ep 260) Already Heard That One? Try These:  Marketing to Mindstates, with Will Leach (ep 88) Counterfactual Thinking (ep 286) Prefactual Thinking (ep 232) Loss Aversion (ep 316) How to Organize Your Brain with Behavioral Economics (ep 83) Social Proof (ep 87) Brainy Benefits of Gratitude (ep 236) How Minds Change, with David McRaney (ep 210) Both/And Thinking, with Wendy Smith (ep 261) Avoiding Everyday Work Disasters, with Gleb Tsipursky (ep 111) Hate Being On Camera? Behavioral Economics Can Help (ep 95) Other Important Links:  Brainy Bites - Melina's LinkedIn Newsletter Mountain Clarity Would You Be Happier If You Were Richer?  A Focusing Illusion Does Living in California Make People Happy? A Focusing Illusion in Judgments of Life Satisfaction

“Take away paradox from the thinker and you have a professor.” ~Søren KierkegaardThis Habits 2 Goals episode is FREE for ALL subscribers. In 2014 I wrote It's Both! Your (Habitual) Dichotomous Thinking is Killing You.That's right, “Killing You!”I went a bit deeper on this concept in The Pressure Paradox™ (2015).It's worth revisiting as the idea is essential to critical thinking and, interestingly enough, peace of mind. A sure sign of a mature mind is one that can hold two opposing ideas together, at the same time (most of the time).The reason we're revisiting the concept is that I'm noticing it's percolating elsewhere.Let's begin with Matthew McConaughey's latest book (Sept 2023) Just Because. Just Because is an illustrated kid's book designed to teach children many life lessons.In so doing, it fosters “Both” thinking.” Few lessons may be more important to understand for children.Straight from McConaughey's book, examples on Amazon.com.“Just because they don't hear you, doesn't mean you don't have a voice.”“Just because you follow, it doesn't mean you aren't a leader.”“Just because you are sitting still, it doesn't mean you are not busy.”Another recent book is actually titled, “BOTH/AND Thinking” by Harvard Review Press, August of 2022.I'm guessing “dichotomous” in any title is a bit much.Here's how that book is summarized on Amazon. Life is full of paradoxes. How can we each express our individuality while also being a team player? How do we balance work and life? How can we improve diversity while promoting opportunities for all? How can we manage the core business while innovating for the future?For many of us, these competing and interwoven demands are a source of conflict. Since our brains love to make either-or choices, we choose one option over the other. We deal with the uncertainty by asserting certainty.Finally, there is The Power of And: Responsible Business Without Trade-Offs Columbia Business School Publishing. June 2020.Another book elucidating the very idea; tailored for the business world.“The Power of And” offers a new narrative about the nature of business, revealing the focus on responsibility AND ethics.Sounds a lot like BOTH/AND thinking to me.It is the appreciation – the recognition of multiple paths, multiple perspectives and paradigms, that ultimately leads to freedom — even enlightenment.For instance, you must know what the customer wants AND you must trust and move according to your own intuition.“You are absolutely, 100% totally unique, one-of-a-kind. And, you are just like everyone else.”You must pay attention to the little things AND you must have a long-term, macro-perspective.You must never settle AND you must, most definitely, on occasion settle.Are we really “wired” to choose one answer/option/solution over another?“Wired” may not be the right way to describe it. In the West, in particular, society loves to pit “right” against “wrong”. Left vs Right. Up vs Down. Meat vs Veggies.More often than not, my friends, it's BOTH.This reminds me of the old saying, “The Left Wing” and “The Right Wing” are connected to the same bird.BOTH. ONE. NON-DICHOTOMOUS.Say it with me, it's BOTH!The answer, more often than not, is BOTH/AND and maybe even, Just Because. Just because you think there is a single answer, doesn't mean there aren't many.Love your show!Sidenote: The truth is life is dynamic, fluid (recent episode), and holistic. By the way, this is precisely what “The Three Circles of Behavior Echo-System” / The Grunburg Behavior Model represents (ask Bard). It's a holistic, fluid and dynamic behavior model that humans and organizations can use to design behaviors.Arguably, it's the most accurate human behavior model to date. Learn more here.The next 28-DAY BREAKTHROUGH! Learn more here —»: The 28-Day Breakthrough!*Recently Awarded: “Finalist: Self-help, Motivation”International Book Awards: EVERYTHING is a F*cking STORY.Visit https://thehabitfactor.com/templatesTo learn more about P.A.R.R., just Google “P.A.R.R. and The Habit Factor.”Get The Habit Factor® FREE with your audible trial! https://audibletrial.com/habits2goalsFeedspot's “Top 10 Habit Podcasts You Must Follow in 2021”New listeners, grab your free habits 2 goals tracking template here: https://thehabitfactor.com/templatesFREE copy of As a Man Thinketh (PDF) right here: As a Man ThinkethSubscribe iTunes here! Subscribe: Android This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit habits2goals.substack.com/subscribe

Hal Hershfield is here to discuss the concept of the future self and its impact on decision-making, featuring insights from his new book, Your Future Self. Hershfield explains that humans often prioritize their present desires over their future goals, leading to short-term thinking and procrastination.  He highlights the importance of considering future outcomes when making choices and provides strategies for aligning present actions with future desires. This episode is relevant for individuals seeking to overcome present bias and improve their decision-making skills. By understanding the principles of what Hal calls “mental time travel” and applying the techniques discussed in the episode, listeners can increase their long-term goal prioritization and make more informed choices that lead to long-term success. In this episode: Discover the intriguing concept of the future self and how it shapes our perceptions. Uncover the power of your future self for superior decision-making. Establish an emotional bond with your future self, fostering personal growth. Understand the application of mental time travel in business to strengthen your strategies.  Show Notes: 00:00:00 - Introduction, In this episode, Melina Palmer interviews Dr. Hal Hershfield, author of Your Future Self. They discuss the concept of time discounting and the ways in which our present and future selves are connected. 00:02:08 - Understanding the Self, Hal explains that the self is a bundle of associations, emotions, thoughts, and ideals that have some stability over time. He explores the idea of how we define ourselves and how our perception of our future selves affects our decision-making. 00:06:00 - Similarity with Future Self, Hal highlights the importance of feeling a sense of connection and emotional overlap with our future selves. The more we see ourselves as similar to our future selves, the more likely we are to make decisions that benefit them. 00:11:42 - The "We" Aspect, The concept of the "we" relationship, similar to how we view our relationships with others, can also apply to our relationship with our future selves. Thinking of our future self as part of our collective identity can help us make decisions that benefit both our present and future selves. 00:13:23 - Reframing Future-oriented Decisions, Hal discusses the importance of reframing future-oriented decisions to provide immediate benefits and satisfaction. By finding pleasure in doing something good for our future selves, we can increase motivation and make better long-term decisions. 00:14:44 - Making Decisions with the Future Self in Mind, Hal emphasizes the importance of considering how we will look back on our decisions instead of focusing solely on our immediate feelings. By stepping into the shoes of our future selves, we can reassess our choices and consider the value of relief in completing tasks versus the regret of procrastinating. 00:15:11 - The Hidden Zero Effect, Dr. Hershfield introduces the concept of the "hidden zero effect" in decision-making. By considering both the immediate benefits and long-term consequences of our choices, we can make more informed decisions. This approach helps us avoid neglecting the potential negative outcomes or overlooking the relief we may feel in completing tasks. 00:16:34 - Mistakes in Mental Time Travel, Hal discusses three common mistakes in mental time travel: missing your flight, poor trip planning, and packing the wrong clothes. These mistakes, which are all featured in his book, Your Future Self, highlight how we can become too focused on the present moment and fail to consider the future implications of our actions. By avoiding these mistakes, we can make better decisions for our future selves. 00:19:24 - Short-Term vs. Long-Term Focus in the Workplace, In the context of work, it is important to balance short-term and long-term focus. Hal suggests considering whether we prioritize urgent tasks over important ones and how we can shift our mindset to focus on long-term goals. This applies to both individual employees and collective organizations. 00:28:28 - Learning from Individuals, The conversation discusses the importance of learning from individuals within an organization and how their actions can be used to overcome challenges. 00:29:23 - Exciting Future Research, Dr. Hershfield shares his excitement about two areas of future research. The first is a deeper exploration of commitment devices and understanding the predictors of their adoption. The second is focusing on collective decisions, environmental decisions, and end-of-life planning, including the use of letter-writing exercises. 00:32:35 - Balancing the Present and Future, Hal discusses the concept of balancing the present and future. He shares a personal story about realizing that there will be a day when his children no longer want to spend time with him, highlighting the importance of living in the present while also considering future goals and values. 00:34:46 - Behavioral Change Intervention, Hal and his colleague are working on a project using the idea of balancing the present and future as a behavioral change intervention. They aim to apply this concept to various areas, including parent-child relationships, to help individuals make choices aligned with their long-term values. 00:38:42 - Intentional Mental Time Travel, The conversation emphasizes the importance of intentional mental time travel. Instead of reactive thinking, individuals should make deliberate choices about when to live in the moment and when to consider the impact of their actions on the future. 00:43:07 - Conclusion, Melina's top insights from the conversation. What stuck with you while listening to the episode? What are you going to try? Come share it with Melina on social media -- you'll find her as @thebrainybiz everywhere and as Melina Palmer on LinkedIn. Thanks for listening. Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Android. If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.  I hope you love everything recommended via The Brainy Business! Everything was independently reviewed and selected by me, Melina Palmer. So you know, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. That means if you decide to shop from the links on this page (via Amazon or others), The Brainy Business may collect a share of sales or other compensation. Let's connect: Melina@TheBrainyBusiness.com The Brainy Business® on Facebook The Brainy Business on Twitter The Brainy Business on Instagram The Brainy Business on LinkedIn Melina on LinkedIn The Brainy Business on Youtube Connect with Hal: Follow Hal on X  Follow Hal on LinkedIn Hal's website Learn and Support The Brainy Business: Check out and get your copies of Melina's Books.  Get the Books Mentioned on (or related to) this Episode: Your Future Self, by Hal Hershfield How To Change, by Katy Milkman Both/And Thinking, by Wendy Smith and Marianne Lewis The Power of Regret, by Dan Pink Outsmart Your Brain, by Dan Willingham Top Recommended Next Episode: Time Discounting (ep 322) Already Heard That One? Try These:  How To Change, with Katy Milkman (ep 151) Both/And Thinking with Wendy Smith (ep 261) Loss Aversion (ep 316) The Power of Regret, with Dan Pink (ep 214) The Power of Us, with Dominic Packer (ep 304) Precommitment (ep 120) How To Set and Exceed Brainy Goals (ep 70) Outsmart Your Brain, with Dan Willingham (ep 281) Other Important Links:  Brainy Bites - Melina's LinkedIn Newsletter Hal's faculty page at UCLA

We live in a world of paradoxes. When we especially face competing demands, we easily slip into either-or choices. But why do we have to choose one over the other? Isn't there a way to overcome these challenges without having to give up something? This episode's guest says there is—through both/and thinking. J.R. Lowry is with Wendy Smith, the Dana J. Johnson Professor of Management and the faculty director of the Women's Leadership Initiative at the Lerner College of Business and Economics, at the University of Delaware. Wendy has co-authored a book called Both/And Thinking, where they explore the nature of the tensions we experience and how we can use them to be productive rather than stumble over them. In this conversation, she shares the idea that led her to write the book and the insights they have gathered to help organizations struggling to take the step towards innovation, diversity, and inclusion. Why do we suffer from either/or thinking? What does both/and thinking look like? How do we navigate the paradoxes in life? Tune in to find out Wendy's answers and more! Check out the full series of "Career Sessions, Career Lessons" podcasts here or visit pathwise.io/podcast/. A full written transcript of this episode is also available at https://pathwise.io/podcast/wendy-smith/

Dr. Kurt Nelson is a behavioral scientist and founder of the Lantern Group. His expertise involves helping businesses align incentives and motivation to improve sales, productivity, and employee happiness. With a strong focus on incorporating behavioral science principles into goal-setting and motivation strategies, Kurt offers valuable insights for individuals and organizations seeking to enhance their overall success. During the podcast, Melina and Kurt discuss the Great Resignation, Quiet Quitting, keystone goals, incentives, priming, framing, and so much more. Want to reduce turnover rates in your organization? Kurt explains why this requires a holistic approach that addresses multiple aspects of employee engagement and satisfaction. These might include clear communication of goals and expectations, a strong organizational vision, appropriate incentives, a psychologically safe environment, and acknowledging employee contributions. Implementing these elements effectively within the organization can result in a considerable reduction in turnover rates and a more motivated workforce. He shares a case study of a client company that initially had a 42% turnover rate, which is now under 5%. They achieved this by improving communication and creating a clear vision, which involved offering incentives designed to promote desired behaviors rather than instilling fear. Regular town hall meetings and a national employee meeting facilitated better communication and helped everyone stay informed. Additionally, they worked with managers to enhance their communication skills and foster better relationships with their teams. Learn all about this fascinating example and more in this episode, including: Elevate employee engagement through comprehensive strategies for lasting retention. Manage workload effectively and prioritize tasks to minimize burnout. Infuse meaning, purpose, and creativity into your work culture for a thriving environment. Enhance communication, vision, and incentives to diminish staff turnover. Employ behavioral science techniques for successful goal-setting and motivation. Show Notes: 00:00:00 - Introduction, Dr. Kurt Nelson, co-host of Behavioral Grooves and CEO of the Lantern Group, discusses his expertise in employee incentives and motivation in the workplace. 00:03:35 - Employee Experience, Organizations are refocusing on the employee experience and how they can ensure they are doing right by their employees to increase engagement and motivation. 00:08:34 - Human Complexity, Organizations need to understand that humans are complex and are driven by various factors, such as their external environment, social environment, and managerial challenges at work. Employees want a psychologically safe environment where they feel respected and fulfilled. 00:11:23 - Quiet Quitting, Employees are pushing back against the expectation to give 150% effort every day. Organizations should not expect employees to go above and beyond all the time, but they need to create jobs that allow employees to be creative and bring passion into their work. 00:14:22 - Full Self in Work, Employees who bring their full selves into work find more meaning and purpose in their jobs. Organizations need to make sure they are creating an environment that allows employees to find fulfillment at work. 00:15:58 - The Importance of Frontline Managers, Frontline managers are often promoted for their individual job skills rather than their ability to manage. This can lead to a lack of understanding of how to engage and work with employees, causing turnover and "quiet quitting." 00:18:23 - Case Study: Decreasing Turnover Rates, Working with a company that had a 42% turnover rate, Kurt and his team's focus was on improving communication from executive leadership to employees, setting a clear vision and incentives, and training managers on how to communicate and engage with their team. The result was a decrease in salesforce turnover rate to under 5%. 00:22:23 - Priming and Framing, Changing 12 words in an email to incorporate qualified achievement words increased performance by 15% and decreased the need for escalation by 30%. Framing incentives in a gain or loss context can also impact behavior. Psychological safety is important for employees to feel valued and heard. 00:28:46 - How to Be a Better Organization, Align incentives with desired behaviors, create a psychologically safe environment where employees feel valued and heard, and provide tools for managers and employees to break down goals and understand how to engage and motivate teams. Changing behavior is key to achieving success, and incentives are key to that. 00:30:29 - Summary, To decrease turnover rates and create a better organization, focus on aligning incentives, creating a psychologically safe environment, and providing tools for managers and employees. Changing behavior is key to achieving success. 00:31:03 - Lantern Group's Tools, Dr Kurt Nelson talks about the Lantern Group's tools that help employees set and achieve their goals. He introduces the Brain/Shift Journal, a 13-week guided journal with daily prompts based on behavioral science insights. The journal helps users create keystone goals, break them down into milestones, track progress, and cultivate gratitude. 00:32:46 - Keystone Goals, Keystone goals are those that have a larger-than-life impact, which align with keystone habits. The journal helps users determine the right goal and break it down into milestones. It includes prompts like priming, gratitude, and progress tracking to keep users motivated and on track. 00:35:02 - Conclusion Melina's top insights from the conversation. What stuck with you while listening to the episode? What are you going to try? Come share it with Melina on social media -- you'll find her as @thebrainybiz everywhere and as Melina Palmer on LinkedIn. Thanks for listening. Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Android. If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.  I hope you love everything recommended via The Brainy Business! Everything was independently reviewed and selected by me, Melina Palmer. So you know, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. That means if you decide to shop from the links on this page (via Amazon or others), The Brainy Business may collect a share of sales or other compensation. Let's connect: Melina@TheBrainyBusiness.com The Brainy Business® on Facebook The Brainy Business on Twitter The Brainy Business on Instagram The Brainy Business on LinkedIn Melina on LinkedIn The Brainy Business on Youtube Join the BE Thoughtful Revolution – our free behavioral economics community, and keep the conversation going! Learn and Support The Brainy Business: Check out and get your copies of Melina's Books.  Get the Books Mentioned on (or related to) this Episode: Influence, by Robert Cialdini What Your Employees Need and Can't Tell You, by Melina Palmer Mixed Signals, by Uri Gneezy Getting Along, by Amy Gallo Both/And Thinking, by Wendy Smith and Marianne Lewis Connect with Kurt:  Kurt on Twitter Lantern Group's Website Kurt on LinkedIn Top Recommended Next Episode: Secrets of Motivation and Incentives, with Tim Houlihan (ep 109) Already Heard That One? Try These:  Influence, with Robert Cialdini (ep 157) Nudges and Choice Architecture (ep 35) Priming (ep 252) Framing (ep 16) iNcentives: The “N” in NUDGES (ep 272) Mixed Signals, with Uri Gneezy (ep 273) The Human Experience, with John Sills (ep 277) Getting Along, with Amy Gallo (ep 269) Both/And Thinking, with Wendy Smith (ep 261) The Microstress Effect, with Rob Cross (ep 287) I Human, with Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic (ep 267) Cobra Effect (ep 220) Inequity Aversion (ep 224) Avoiding Everyday Disasters at Work, with Gleb Tsipursky (ep 111) Motivation and Incentives at Work, with Kurt Nelson (ep 187) Other Important Links:  Brainy Bites - Melina's LinkedIn Newsletter Smart Behavioral Economics Secrets Every Marketer Needs, with Melina Palmer Using Behavioral Economics to Help Businesses, with Melina Palmer

Tensions are neither good nor bad. It's how we deal with them.  Building trusting relationships lies at the heart of customer success, and Dr. Wendy Smith, Author of Both/And Thinking reveals how you can navigate through the tension between building strong relationships with customers and selling/renewing their business. Using the framework of making micro shifts back and forth with intentionality, Dr. Smith explores possible solutions to this dilemma and emphasizes the importance of training and enabling individuals to handle the complexity of both approaches. Wendy also emphasizes the importance of "both-and" thinking and how it can be applied in the context of customer success. Josh and Wendy discuss- Tensions aren't good or bad. It's how.- Shift from either-or to both-and approach.- Teams can cause conflict or inspire creativity.- "Both and" requires creativity and boundaries.- Long-term thinking can improve relationships and profits.- Balancing roles, train to simplify complexity." We have fewer people but larger expectations of what we need to get done. How can we rethink how we resource people and their time and their experiences to be more efficient, more engaging, or more effective in the kind of work they're doing? - Wendy Smith

Wendy K. Smith is the Dana J. Johnson Professor of Management, faculty director of the Women's Leadership Initiative at the Lerner College of Business and Economics, University of Delaware and fellow at The Academy of Management. She earned her PhD in organizational behavior at Harvard Business School, where she began her intensive research on strategic paradoxes—how leaders and senior teams effectively respond to contradictory, yet interdependent demands. Working with executives and scholars globally, she received the Web of Science Highly Cited Research Award (4 years in a row) for being among the 1 percent most-cited researchers in her field and received the Decade Award from the Academy of Management Review for the most cited paper in the past 10 years as well as a fellow at the Academy of Management. Her work has been published in such journals as Academy of Management Journal, Administrative Science Quarterly, Harvard Business Review, Organization Science, and Management Science. She has taught at the University of Delaware, Harvard University, and the University of Pennsylvania–Wharton while helping senior leaders and middle managers all over the world address issues of interpersonal dynamics, team performance, organizational change, and innovation. Her book, Both/And Thinking is published by Harvard Business Review and was #1 new release on Amazon. Wendy lives in Philadelphia with her husband, three children, and the family dog.   Wendy had a number of amazing insights during our conversation. Some of them include: “There's other pathways to things that we don't often see” (9:25). “Where I could really feel impact was at this very local level” (12:25). “The big idea of [my book] Both/And Thinking is that we live in a world where we tend to pull things apart and make a choice between them and see the either/or, see the black and white, and we argue that's limited and it's detrimental at worst. There's a better way of seeing these things intertwine with one another” (15:40). “The people that are least confident about knowing who they are, what they're going to do in the world, and whether they're going to succeed, are college students” (16:20). “This sense of having to prove [oneself] constrains actually experimenting and being [oneself] along the way” (17:05). “A dilemma is a moment in time defined in a very specific time and space where you're choosing between two different options and it's begging you to make a choice” (26:45). “Paradoxes are these persistent, ever-present tensions that underlie our dilemmas and keep popping up” (27:00). “There's this constant tension that we all feel around performing well, doing well, being in the moment, and learning and growing and feeling that discomfort of learning and growth” (27:10). “The dilemma of passion vs. performance shows up all over the place and we tend to pit those against each other” (36:10). “The more that we feel passionate, the more that we feel joyful, the more engaged and the better performing we are. These opposing pressures actually reinforce each other” (36:30). “I think an invitation is a chance to allow people to have their own point of view rather than telling them what they think and providing the respect to others that I'm curious about that point of view” (38:10). “One of the ways that we tend to ‘either/or' a lot is in relationship with other people” (38:30). “We grow from taking a pause from our regular routines and lives” (42:45). “Part of ‘both/and' is pulling out or decisions into a broader perspective where we are making these micro shifts, oscillating, experimenting, balancing, trying along the way, that not every decision is the ultimate moment of truth” (47:15). “How do you navigate in a space that's not ideal for who you are?” (50:20). “Activism has a very black and white perspective; I am going to assert what I believe and be loud and proud about it. There's a place for that and it's an important piece, and it doesn't always get stuff done. What we really need in order to move forward is more nuanced diplomacy and collaboration across opposing ideas” (52:50). “Leaders need to have a varied toolkit in how they lead” (55:15). “Frankly, there's a lot more common ground on many of these [political] issues than there is difference” (57:20). “It's not just your own individual performance, but your performance and your success is dependent on how you raise up and create the conditions for other people's success as well” (1:04:50).   Additionally, you can find everything you need to know about Wendy's book, Both/And Thinking, here. You can also connect with Wendy on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and by email (hello@bothandthinking.net). Thank you so much to Wendy for coming on the podcast! I wrote a book called “Shift Your Mind” that was released in October of 2020, and you can order it on Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Additionally, I have launched a company called Strong Skills, and I encourage you to check out our new website https://www.strongskills.co/. If you liked this episode and/or any others, please follow me on Twitter: @brianlevenson or Instagram: @Intentional_Performers. Thanks for listening.

Life is full of paradoxes. How can we each express our individuality while also being a team player? How do we balance work and life? How can we improve diversity while promoting opportunities for all? How can we manage the core business while innovating for the future?For many of us, these competing and interwoven demands are a source of conflict. Since our brains love to make either-or choices, we choose one option over the other. We deal with the uncertainty by asserting certainty.There's a better way.In Both/And Thinking, Wendy Smith and Marianne Lewis help readers cope with multiple, knotted tensions at the same time. Drawing from more than twenty years of pioneering research, they provide tools and lessons for transforming these tensions into opportunities for innovation and personal growth.Filled with practical advice and fascinating stories—including firsthand tales from IBM, LEGO, and Unilever, as well as from startups, nonprofits, and even an inn at one of the four corners of the world—Both/And Thinking will change the way you approach your most vexing problems. ***The Burleson Box is brought to you by Mastry:The Mastry App leverages HypnoBreathwork®, a cutting edge method using breathwork to clear energetic patterns, hypnosis to reprogram subconscious beliefs, and visioning to fire new neural pathways for sustainable behavior change. This unique formula accelerates trance-induced states to heal unprocessed emotions from the root and take intuitive action to get into alignment.Mastry is an experience to create connection and live your purpose. Download the app, try a free 7 day tray and join the mailing list at Mastryapp.com***Resources Mentioned in the Episode with Wendy Smith:Both And Thinking: Embracing Creative Tensions to Solve Your Toughest ProblemsBoth And Thinking Book WebsiteParadox Mindset InventorySmith, W. Dynamic decision making: a model of senior leaders managing strategic paradoxes. Academy of Management Journal 2014, Vol. 57, No.6, 1592-1623.Net Positive: How Courageous Companies Thrive by Giving More Than They Take by Paul Polman and Andrew Winston ***Go Premium: Members get early access, ad-free episodes, hand-edited transcripts, exclusive study guides, special edition books each quarter, powerpoint and keynote presentations and two tickets to Dustin Burleson's Annual Leadership Retreat.http://www.theburlesonbox.com/sign-up Stay Up to Date: Sign up for The Burleson Report, our weekly newsletter that is delivered each Sunday with timeless insight for life and private practice. Sign up here:http://www.theburlesonreport.com Follow Dustin Burleson, DDS, MBA at:http://www.burlesonseminars.com

Are you tired of 'either-or' thinking? Struggling to balance competing demands in your personal and professional life? Join us as we explore 'Both/And Thinking' by Marianne W. Lewis and Wendy K. Smith. In this insightful book, Lewis and Smith provide tools and lessons for transforming paradoxes into opportunities for personal growth and innovation. They draw from more than twenty years of pioneering research to help readers cope with multiple, knotted tensions at the same time. Aaron Marsham, an Assistant Headteacher and PiXL Raising Standards Leader, and Angela Schofield, Programme Development Lead for Excelsior Multi Academy Trust, explore practical ways to apply Both/And Thinking in a school setting to improve diversity, manage the core school culture while innovating for the future, and much more. Tune in on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher and discover how to break free from either-or thinking and embrace the power of Both/And Thinking for personal and professional success. PiXL is a partnership organisation of thousands of schools, colleges and alternative education providers spanning KS1-5. Find out more about how you could gain value from a PiXL subscription: https://www.pixl.org.uk/membership PiXL Leadership Bookclub is a We Are In Beta production.  

Each person brings their values and perspectives to group decision-making. But what happens when those perspectives seem to be conflicting? We need to be cost conscious, and we also need high quality. We need honesty, and we also need kindness and grace. We need structure, and we also need flexibility. When we feel like we're stuck between conflicting options or mindsets, it might be a moment for both/and thinking. Having a better understanding of polarities can help us leverage the best of both worlds. Today's guest is Ronni Hendel. Ronni works as a coach and facilitator with individual leaders, teams, and organizations. She supports her clients in building their capacity to achieve results through others and to navigate through increased complexity. She helps them move beyond self-awareness into being able to consistently respond with grace and clarity under pressure. Ronni and I talk about what polarities are, how they show up in the workplace and create tension or conflict, and how to embrace them using a both-and mindset. We get into the polarities map and how it can be a tool to help your team find a better path forward. Members of the Modern Manager community get a guide to leveraging polarities including how to identify when a polarity is at play. Get it when you join the Modern Manager community.   Get FREE mini-sketchnotes with the big idea from the week's episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email.   Read the related blog article: The Magic of Both/And Thinking and Exploring Polarities   KEEP UP WITH RONNI Website: www.insightoutleadership.com   Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 02:01 What are polarities? 07:56 How to collaborate instead of choose sides 12:37 Introducing the idea of polarities to colleagues 14:56 Understanding the polarity map 18:46 The vulnerability of letting go 22:59 How to find a middle ground 25:12 A great manager Ronni has worked for 26:49 Keeping up with Ronni 27:30 [Extended episode only] The difference between ‘complex' and ‘complicated' 32:55 [Extended episode only] Common situations that managers mislabel 35:25 [Extended episode only] How polarities show up in complex versus complicated situations Get the extended episode by joining The Modern Manager community for just $5 per month.  mamie@mamieks.com instagram.com/mamieks

Counterfactual thinking (when we mentally "undo" events that have already happened and imagine different outcomes) can contribute to personal and professional growth when applied constructively. This type of thinking is closely related to prefactual thinking, which involves imagining future scenarios, alternatives, and opportunities. Both types of thinking can aid in regulating behavior, problem-solving, and goal setting, ultimately contributing to improved performance and success in life and business. This episode highlights the interplay between counterfactual and prefactual thinking and how both can foster unique perspectives and considerations that set individuals and businesses apart from the competition. There is immense value in adopting a curious, open-minded approach when engaging in these thought processes, which can ultimately lead to personal development, innovation, and cultivating a successful and resilient mindset. Here's some of what you'll get from this episode: Explore the intriguing effects of counterfactual thinking on emotions and behaviors. Identify the fine line between helpful and detrimental counterfactual thoughts. Learn effective tactics for managing counterfactual thinking in tough situations. Uncover the power of combining counterfactual and prefactual thinking for a winning strategy. Master transforming negativity into productive and positive actions.  Show Notes: 00:00:00 - Introduction, Melina Palmer introduces the podcast episode (a refresh from one that originally aired in October 2019) focusing on counterfactual thinking and how it is central to being human. She explains the different types of counterfactuals and the impact they can have on our emotions and way of thinking. 00:05:06 - Types of Counterfactuals, Melina explains the difference between upward and downward counterfactuals, omissions and commissions, rumination and undoing, and usual or extreme events. She encourages listeners to reflect on their own types of counterfactuals and how they have impacted them in the past. 00:09:25 - Target of Counterfactuals, Melina discusses how the target of counterfactuals can impact the thought process. She gives an example of how people tend to focus on themselves even when they are not to blame, which can lead to distress and anxiety. 00:13:32 - Example of Unhealthy Counterfactual Thinking, Melina provides an extreme example of unhealthy counterfactual thinking where a woman dwells over a nonevent at work and becomes distressed and angry, constantly dwelling over what the woman in HR did or didn't do and how she could have acted differently. 00:14:50 - Recap, Melina summarizes the key takeaways from the episode so far and encourages listeners to use counterfactual thinking as a tool for setting and achieving goals, while also being mindful of when it becomes unhealthy and causes distress. She reminds listeners to download the free counterfactual thinking worksheet (and get more resources) in the show notes. 00:14:57 - The Impact of Counterfactual Thinking, Counterfactual thinking can lead to spiraling thoughts and negatively impact interactions. Dwelling on negatives can be harmful and counterproductive. It's essential to focus on the present and not dwell on the past. 00:19:07 - A Study on Counterfactual Thinking, A study on counterfactual thinking found that over half of the respondents were undoing a traumatic event in their minds. The distress level and frequency of undoing did not differ based on whether the item being undone was usual or exceptional; omission or commission. 00:25:31 - Focus on Self, Those who were undoing the event in their minds were more focused on their own actions or the actions of their loved ones than the other driver's behavior, even though the other driver was (typically) at fault. This shows how quickly the brain can compartmentalize and can lead to feelings of regret, guilt, and responsibility. 00:28:54 - Recency of Undoing, The recency of the undoing process (note: this is not the recency of the event) impacted distress levels. Those who were still undoing the event were more distressed than those who had never undone or had undone in the past, but stopped. This suggests that undoing may be a distress-driven cognitive process. 00:31:15 - Changing Focus, The action that people actively undo overwhelmingly changes over time. People may focus on themselves and their actions in a particular circumstance, but the specific action that they focus on can vary. The lesson is to focus on the present and not dwell on the past. 00:31:47 - The Effects of Undoing, Continuously undoing can increase distress levels, and guilt is the only negative emotion uniquely related to undoing. Guilt related to controllable events declines over time, but excessive undoing can perpetuate distress. 00:33:21 - Self Esteem and Counterfactual Thinking, People with low self-esteem may focus on their inadequacies in their counterfactuals, leading to more distress. Highly distressed individuals undo more frequently, perpetuating their distress. 00:35:09 - The Benefits of Counterfactual Thinking, Counterfactual thinking is crucial in regulating behavior and reaching goals. Failing to reach a goal often leads to counterfactual thinking, but reframing it can improve behavior. Turning counterfactual thoughts into actionable next steps can help reach goals. Plus, the one, most important phrase to help you leverage counterfactual thinking and use it to your advantage. 00:38:37 - Moving Forward from Counterfactual Thinking, Moving on from counterfactual thinking is crucial to prevent it from taking over your life and work. Asking questions like, "What can I do differently next time?" can help reframe counterfactual thoughts into positive next steps. An example from the Olympics, and how to use that most powerful language. 00:41:25 - Positive Thinking, Reframing, and a Refreshed Close, Acting as if you were a silver-lining person can trick your brain into thinking that way. Mental reframes and curious questions can change everything and set you and your business apart. Consider how different things might be if you flipped your counterfactual thinking around. Thanks for listening. Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Android. If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.  I hope you love everything recommended via The Brainy Business! Everything was independently reviewed and selected by me, Melina Palmer. So you know, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. That means if you decide to shop from the links on this page (via Amazon or others), The Brainy Business may collect a share of sales or other compensation. Let's connect: Melina@TheBrainyBusiness.com The Brainy Business® on Facebook The Brainy Business on Twitter The Brainy Business on Instagram The Brainy Business on LinkedIn Melina on LinkedIn The Brainy Business on Youtube Join the BE Thoughtful Revolution – our free behavioral economics community, and keep the conversation going! More from The Brainy Business: Get your copies of Melina's award-winning books. Get the Books Mentioned on (or related to) this Episode: The Microstress Effect, Rob Cross and Karen Dillon What Your Employees Need and Can't Tell You, Melina Palmer Fierce Conversations, by Susan Scott Quit, by Annie Duke Power of Regret, by Dan Pink Top Recommended Next Episode: Prefactual Thinking (ep 232) Already Heard That One? Try These:  The Top 5 Wording Mistakes Businesses Make (ep 2) How To Set Up Your Own Experiments (ep 63) Vulnerability Loops (ep 229) Questions or Answers (ep 4) Relativity (ep 12) Game Theory (ep 228) The Power of Regret, with Dan Pink (ep 214) Both/And Thinking, with Wendy Smith (ep 261) The Elements of Choice, with Eric Johnson (ep 174) Quit, with Annie Duke (ep 227) Priming (ep 252) Other Important Links:  Brainy Bites - Melina's LinkedIn Newsletter  How to Break the Negative Cycle of ‘What If' Thinking Improving Physical Task Performance with Counterfactual and Prefactual Thinking When Thinking It Means Doing It: Prefactual Thought In Self-handicapping Behavior Fixing Your Brain: A Guide to Balancing Neurotransmitters The Functional Theory of Counterfactual Thinking Norm Theory: Comparing Reality to Its Alternatives The Undoing of Traumatic Life Events

In today's conversation, I am joined by Dr. Uri Gneezy. Uri's research focus is on putting behavioral economics to work in the real world, where theory can meet application. He is looking for basic research as well as more applied approaches to topics like incentives-based interventions to increase good habits and decrease bad ones, Pay-What-You-Want pricing, and the detrimental effects of small and large incentives. In addition to the traditional laboratory and field studies, he currently works with several firms conducting experiments which use basic findings from behavioral economics to help companies achieve their traditional goals in nontraditional ways. You may be familiar with Uri's name because he coauthored the wildly popular book, The Why Axis with John List, who was on the show last year talking about his book The Voltage Effect.  I have a feeling you're going to really enjoy this conversation as it is about a topic people in business are thinking, talking and asking about all the time: incentives. Most specifically, Uri talks about what happens when we mix our messages (it happens a lot more often than you realize) and how that impacts behavior. There are tons of fascinating and practical examples in the book, and we will talk about a few of them today in the episode. Show Notes: [00:42] In today's conversation, I am joined by Dr. Uri Gneezy. Uri's research puts behavioral economics to work in the real world where theory can meet applications. [03:15] Uri shares his background and the work he does in behavioral science. He is a behavioral economist and most of his work is around how incentives really work and how they can change the world.  [05:19] When you give the incentives it is not just the money, reward, or recognition that you give, you are also sending a message and telling a story. If you don't really understand how the incentive can shape or change the story you might send the wrong message.  [07:03] Incentives are not good, wrong, or bad. It really depends on how you use them.  [09:25] By changing the incentives from money to an item like a mug or pen you change the message that supports the signal that you want to send.  [11:45] Uri shares about research around donating blood. [14:01] In the late '90s hybrid cars started to pop up. Toyota won the market with the signal they sent.  [16:39] Different incentives work on different people. The incentives don't have to apply to everyone.  [18:25] The role of incentives should be to push the story in the direction you want. Incentives are going to change the story.  [21:27] Quality is much harder to control than value and sometimes it is subjective. How do you incentivize without damaging the quality? [24:30] We really need to be careful about the incentives we give.  [27:00] If we want innovation we have to make sure we don't punish failure.  [29:59] If you have an incentive in place, try to think about it and see if it really sends the message that you want to send.  [30:51] The fact that you tried incentives and they didn't work doesn't mean that incentives don't work. It means that what you tried didn't work and it is time to try something else.  [33:26] You need ways to measure your incentives and how they are working.  [36:00] He decided to add cartoons to his book because they deliver the message better than just reading a long description and it makes it fun and less boring.  [38:48] The Coca-Cola story is a very good example of how the framing of the incentive can give a completely different experience.  [40:26] Not all incentives are created equal and you can understand more about them and predict how they will work if you understand the message they are sending.  [41:55] Our brains have mental accounts.   [44:30] If you find out what your clients care about you can use that to create your incentives.  [46:51] The amount of money really sends a signal but gifts send a very different signal and meaning.   [49:36] Make incentives simple. If you have many incentives, consolidate them. Make sure you align what you do with the message you want to give.  [50:52] Melina's closing thoughts Thanks for listening. Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Android. If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.  I hope you love everything recommended via The Brainy Business! Everything was independently reviewed and selected by me, Melina Palmer. So you know, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. That means if you decide to shop from the links on this page (via Amazon or others), The Brainy Business may collect a share of sales or other compensation. Let's connect: Melina@TheBrainyBusiness.com The Brainy Business® on Facebook The Brainy Business on Twitter The Brainy Business on Instagram The Brainy Business on LinkedIn Melina on LinkedIn The Brainy Business on Youtube Join the BE Thoughtful Revolution – our free behavioral economics community, and keep the conversation going! Learn and Support The Brainy Business: Check out and get your copies of Melina's Books.  Get the Books Mentioned on (or related to) this Episode: Mixed Signals, by Uri Gneezy The Why Axis, by Uri Gneezy and John List Drive, by Daniel Pink Quit, by Annie Duke Both/And Thinking, by Wendy Smith & Marianne Lewis Connect with Uri:  Uri on LinkedIn Uri on Twitter Top Recommended Next Episode: The Voltage Effect with John List (ep 190) Already Heard That One? Try These:  Secrets of Motivation and Incentives, Tim Houlihan Interview (ep 109) Motivation and Incentives at Work with Kurt Nelson (ep 187) Incentives (ep 272) Social Proof (ep 87) Cognitive Semiotics and Metaphors with Sarah Thompson (ep 259) Using Semiotics in Retail with Rachel Lawes (ep 191) The Cobra Effect (ep 220) Priming (ep 18) Quit: The Power of Knowing When to Walk Away, with Annie Duke (ep 227) Both/And Thinking with Dr. Wendy Smith (ep 261) Framing (ep 16) Anchoring and Adjustment (ep 11) Mental Accounting (ep 56) Other Important Links:  Brainy Bites - Melina's LinkedIn Newsletter

In today's conversation, I am joined by Amy Gallo. Amy is an expert in conflict, communication, and workplace dynamics. She combines the latest management research with practical advice to deliver evidence-based ideas on how to improve relationships and excel at work. She has written two books: The HBR Guide to Dealing with Conflict, and her newest which we are discussing today: Getting Along: How to Work with Anyone (Even Difficult People). In her role as a contributing editor at Harvard Business Review, Amy writes about interpersonal dynamics, communicating ideas, leading and influencing people, and building your career. She has contributed to numerous books on feedback, emotional intelligence, and managing others, and is the co-author of the HBR Guide to Building Your Business Case. She is also a co-host of HBR's Women at Work podcast, which is in its eighth season. She has contributed to other books and has taught at both Brown University and UPenn, and is an all-around wonderful person I'm so delighted to have met. It's kind of a fun and serendipitous story as to how Amy ended up on the show today. Listen in to hear all about it! Show Notes: [00:45] In today's conversation, I am joined by Amy Gallo. Amy is an expert in conflict, communication, and workplace dynamics. [01:59] It's kind of a fun and serendipitous story as to how Amy ended up on the show today. [04:21] SXSW is a massive event over 10 days with a film festival, music festival, food festival, comedy festival, and a conference focused on innovation and technology. Amy and I are both speaking at it this year (my talk is on the same day this episode comes out!) [06:40] Amy shares herself, her background, and the work she does. She wears many hats. [08:02] She didn't think she would become an editor (or be at Harvard Business Review), but she always gravitated to writing.  [10:08] The HBR Women at Work podcast is still one of her favorite projects that she works on. Her work for HBR started small.  [11:41] She loved writing, but never thought she would do anything with it as a career.  [14:12] Writing the HBR Management Tip of the Day is what led to her writing the book, because she could see there was so much work being put out there by people in different fields. She let that inform the advice she was giving.  [16:07] Knowing a little bit about a lot of things and a lot about a few things is a good balance to being able to make interesting connections. [17:35] Getting Along is about navigating the messiness of human interaction and recognizing that we are not all our best selves all the time, especially at work, and that we need the skills to be able to make the most of these very important relationships.  [19:30] We have all had a difficult person at work that we don't get along with.  [20:33] Amy shares the emails with “Brad” that she talks about in her book.  [23:19] Our brains are so wired to scan for threats that we are so focused on negative things (negativity bias).  [25:26] Any time you have a tricky interaction with someone you can't force the person to see it the way you see it.  [26:12] When we are interacting with others and we find ourselves triggered or upset, there are many ways to view that situation. You have to own your interpretation as your perspective.  [27:50] Your interpretation of what is appropriate behavior at work is not going to be the same as everyone else's.  [30:49] There were two main things she wanted to do with this book. First, she wanted to give specific evidence-based advice for the situation they were dealing with.  [32:46] The archetypes are really meant to give people a way into the specific advice that they need. They are meant to get the tactics from research that are supposed to work for this type of behavior.  [33:22] The second thing she wanted to do with the book was to talk about how identity plays a role both in how we interpret difficult behavior and also in terms of the tactics that we can use and are effective for someone who shares the identity that we have.  [35:55] Change is possible. If we really take a close look at what is happening and what could be motivating that behavior, and work on ourselves…then change is possible. It is worth continuing to try to change.  [37:58] Amy shares the eight archetypes: the insecure boss, the pessimist, the victim, the passive-aggressive peer, the know it all, the biased co-worker, the tormentor, and the political operator.  [40:16] Pessimism is contagious in the same way optimism is.   [42:32] Pessimists often don't think they have agency, so giving them agency can really help. You can also give them a formal role to play as the devil's advocate then it is treating it as a benefit to the team. [44:47] We can all find times when can relate to (and likely when we have been) many of the archetypes.  [47:02] There is a good chance you are one or more of the archetypes because we all are.  [48:06] Having more people as part of your “us” can make a big difference.  [49:41] Amy shares her top episode recommendations for the HBR Women At Work podcast.   [51:31] Melina's closing thoughts [52:54] It is important to look at yourself before you look to change someone else. Amy gives tips for seeing how you are contributing to every difficult relationship, and to know that it starts with changing yourself. [54:08] There is always room to change, both for yourself and those you work with, and Getting Along is a great way to better understand what you have been doing yourself in life and work, and have a better experience with everyone tomorrow. Thanks for listening. Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Android. If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.  I hope you love everything recommended via The Brainy Business! Everything was independently reviewed and selected by me, Melina Palmer. So you know, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. That means if you decide to shop from the links on this page (via Amazon or others), The Brainy Business may collect a share of sales or other compensation. Let's connect: Melina@TheBrainyBusiness.com The Brainy Business® on Facebook The Brainy Business on Twitter The Brainy Business on Instagram The Brainy Business on LinkedIn Melina on LinkedIn The Brainy Business on Youtube Join the BE Thoughtful Revolution – our free behavioral economics community, and keep the conversation going! Learn and Support The Brainy Business: Check out and get your copies of Melina's Books.  Get the Books Mentioned on (or related to) this Episode: Getting Along, by Amy Gallo HBR Guide to Dealing with Conflict, by Amy Gallo A More Just Future, Dolly Chugh Influence is Your Superpower, by Zoe Chance Both/And Thinking, by Wendy Smith and Marianne Lewis Connect with Amy:  Amy's Newsletter Amy on Twitter Amy on LinkedIn Top Recommended Next Episode: Fundamental Attribution Error (ep 268) Already Heard That One? Try These:  Confirmation Bias (ep 102) A More Just Future, with Dr. Dolly Chugh (ep 247) How to Have Difficult Conversations About Race, with Kwame Christian (ep 221) Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic (ep 267) Focusing Illusion (ep 89) Both/And Thinking with Dr. Wendy Smith (ep 261) Get Your D.O.S.E. of Brain Chemicals (ep 123) Negativity Bias (ep 223) Herding (ep 19)  Influence Is Your Superpower with Yale's Dr. Zoe Chance (ep 189) Other Important Links:  Brainy Bites - Melina's LinkedIn Newsletter Women at Work Podcast Sisterhood is Scarce Sisterhood is Trust Getting Along with a Passive-Aggressive Gossip Getting Along with a Political Operator Getting Along with a Biased Tormentor Getting Along with an Insecure, Know-It-All Pessimist Amy's Website

In today's conversation, I am joined by Dr. Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, an international authority in psychological profiling, talent management, leadership development, and people analytics. His commercial work focuses on the creation of science-based tools that improve organizations' ability to predict performance, and people's ability to understand themselves. He is currently the Chief Innovation Officer at Manpower Group, co-founder of Deeper Signals and Metaprofiling, and Professor of Business Psychology at University College London and Columbia University. He has previously held academic positions at New York University and the London School of Economics and lectured at Harvard, Stanford, and London Business Schools, Johns Hopkins, IMD, and INSEAD, as well as being the co-founder and CEO of BrazenX and the CEO at Hogan Assessment Systems.  Dr. Tomas has written 11 books and over 150 scientific papers on the psychology of talent, leadership, innovation, and AI, making him one of the most prolific social scientists of his generation. His work has received awards by the American Psychological Association, the International Society for the Study of Individual Differences, and the Society for Industrial-Organizational Psychology, to which he is a Fellow. Dr. Tomas is also the founding director of University College London's IndustrialOrganizational and Business Psychology program, and the Chief Psychometric Advisor to Harvard's Entrepreneurial Finance Lab.  Over the past 20 years, he has consulted to a range of clients. His media career comprises over 100 TV appearances and he is a keynote speaker for the Institute of Economic Affairs. I am so beyond delighted and honored that he is joining me on the show today to discuss his newest book, I, Human. Show Notes: [00:43] In today's conversation, I am joined by Dr. Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, an international authority in psychological profiling, talent management, leadership development, and people analytics.  [01:41] Dr. Tomas has written 11 books and over 150 scientific papers on the psychology of talent, leadership, innovation, and AI.  [04:07] Dr. Tomas shares his experience, his work, and how he found himself doing the work he does now. His background is in psychology. [06:37] It is generally more useful to be smarter than not, but there are many other things that contribute to peoples' success in any area of life. [09:33] Very sought after strengths can come with limitations and turn into weaknesses if overused.  [12:24] Humans are naturally tribal and we want to construct very coherent identities. With that comes the subjective experience that we belong to some groups and we don't belong to others.  [13:21] We also strive to feel very rational and consistent. It is a lot simpler and generally more pleasant to hold attitudes, beliefs, and values that are compatible with each other.  [15:07] So much of this world can be changed or modified a little bit if we convince people to spend time with others who don't think like them.  [17:34] We tend to pick leaders based on their confidence instead of their competence. (Dunning-Kruger Effect) [18:11] A surplus of confidence really dilutes self awareness. The better you think you are at something the worse you probably are at that thing. [20:39] Instead of blaming women for not behaving overconfidently (more like the often incompetent men who move forward when they don't have the talents to back it up). We should instead stop falling for men who do that.  [21:47] If leadership selection was gender blind you would end up with 60-65% of women in charge because of things like emotional intelligence, heart skills, qualifications, and absence of dark side traits. The actual frequency is 80-20 in favor of men. [23:37] Gender diversity and inclusion interventions have become more data driven in the last five years.  [26:13] The entire world seems to be talking about Chat GPT. Tomas shares how that relates to his new book, I Human.  [29:02] Three avenues to protect and preserve our expertise are to focus more on asking questions, really pick one or two areas of expertise that you invest in, and go from insights to actions.   [30:42] Machines and technologies have always pushed us to upgrade ourselves.  [33:30] In the book he answers the question of what it means to be human in this day and age when all the focus is on artificial intelligence and machines are clearly evolving and advancing.  [34:59] The book has two parts. The first part highlights some of the worst behaviors that we have already seen humans display as a consequence of being so dependent on AI and related technologies.  [37:25] The second and last parts of the book are a request for us to rediscover and reclaim the qualities that make us special, unique, and different from machines.  [39:45] The shift really needs to be much more prominent from teaching information to teaching skills, behaviors, and ethics.  [41:33] Organizations, nonprofits, institutions, governments, and societies need to sort out the issue of reskilling and upskilling so people are not made useless or redundant.  [43:45] Businesses should find ways to really humanize work in the age of machines and AI is really important.  [44:56] Find the time to ask questions. Don't take facts at face value. Focus on the things that you find interesting and useful.  [47:31] Melina's closing thoughts  [49:26] A forced shift in teaching methods and how we test knowledge and show intelligence isn't inherently bad. There are some real opportunities there.  [52:42] Try to understand your own brain's tendencies and not believe everything you hear, see, or read. Find ways to do your own fact-checking whenever possible.  Thanks for listening. Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Android. If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.  I hope you love everything recommended via The Brainy Business! Everything was independently reviewed and selected by me, Melina Palmer. So you know, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. That means if you decide to shop from the links on this page (via Amazon or others), The Brainy Business may collect a share of sales or other compensation. Let's connect: Melina@TheBrainyBusiness.com The Brainy Business® on Facebook The Brainy Business on Twitter The Brainy Business on Instagram The Brainy Business on LinkedIn Melina on LinkedIn The Brainy Business on Youtube Join the BE Thoughtful Revolution – our free behavioral economics community, and keep the conversation going! Learn and Support The Brainy Business: Check out and get your copies of Melina's Books.  Get the Books Mentioned on (or related to) this Episode: I, Human, by Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic Why Do So Many Incompetent Men Become Leaders? (And How To Fix It), by Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic Predictably Irrational, by Dan Ariely Both/And Thinking, by Wendy Smith & Marianne Lewis Beautiful Questions in the Classroom, by Warren Berger Connect with Tomas:  Tomas' Website Tomas on Twitter Top Recommended Next Episode: Dunning-Kruger Effect (ep 266) Already Heard That One? Try These:  When Machine Learning Meets Neuroscience, with Ingrid Nieuwenhuis (ep 170) AI, Blockchain, Machine Learning, & Behavioral Economics with Manuj Aggarwal (ep 192) Dan Ariely Interview: Discussing Shapa, the Numberless Scale (ep 101) Both/And Thinking with Dr. Wendy Smith (ep 261) Confirmation Bias (ep 260) Herding (ep 19)  The Power of Us with Dr. Dominic Packer (ep 178) Social Proof (ep 87) Unity (ep 216) Priming (ep 18) Avoiding Everyday Work Disasters, an Interview with Dr. Gleb Tsipursky (ep 111) Optimism Bias (ep 34) Questions or Answers (ep 4) The Most Important Step in Applying Behavioral Economics: Understanding the Problem (ep 126) Negativity Bias (ep 223) A More Beautiful Question with Warren Berger (ep 200) Other Important Links:  Brainy Bites - Melina's LinkedIn Newsletter Why Do So Many Incompetent Men Become Leaders? How ChatGPT Is Redefining Human Expertise: Or How To Be Smart When AI Is Smarter Than You.

In today's conversation, I am joined by Dr. Nick Epley, Director of the Center for Decision Research at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. I was introduced to Nick by the amazing Ayelet Fishbach, who has been on The Brainy Business twice before. Nick studies social cognition—how thinking people think about other thinking people—to understand why smart people so routinely misunderstand each other. He teaches an ethics and well-being course to MBA students called Designing a Good Life (sounds like a perfect fit around here, and we do talk about this in the episode). His research has appeared in more than two dozen empirical journals, been featured by the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, CNN, Wired, NPR, and more.  As Nick will share with us today...you may not realize it, but you were born with an extraordinary ability to understand what others think, feel, believe, want, and know. You are a mind reader! It's a sixth sense you use every day, in every personal and professional relationship you have. Today, Nick will share a bit of what scientists have learned about our ability to understand others and the surprising mistakes we so routinely make. Show Notes: [00:45] In today's conversation, I am joined by Dr. Nick Epley, director of The Center of Decision Research at the University of Chicago, Booth School of Business. Nick studies social cognition. [02:52] You may not realize it, but you were born with an extraordinary ability to understand what others think, feel, believe, want, and know. You are a mind reader.  [05:02] Nick shares about himself and his background. He is a professor of behavioral science at the University of Chicago.  [07:32] There are systematic gaps between our beliefs about someone else and reality. If we can understand what those gaps are we can understand why they exist.  [09:38] The quality of our social relationships is a critical determinant of our happiness, probably the most important. Other people are the single biggest source of our happiness as well as our misery.  [11:55] One of the big barriers to people being more social in their daily lives is that they underestimate how social others are.  [13:35] We get that risk-reward trade-off with other people wrong. We think it is riskier to reach out and engage than it is.  [15:05] Failing to realize that other people are social is a barrier to us. [17:43] One of the common things we find is that people are often surprised at how much they learned, how enjoyable the conversation was, and how much they have in common with the other person.  [20:22] Conversations have a magnetic quality to them. It draws people together and surprises people.  [22:02] If you don't like small talk…stop having it. When you take an interest in other people they reveal interesting stuff and take an interest in you.  [24:18] Take an interest in another person - that is how you have good conversations.  [26:26] If you care about somebody then you ask them questions that matter to them. Treat other people like they are good friends.  [28:09] When people imagine having a meaningful conversation with a stranger, they think the other person is not going to want to hear about it or care about it. When they get into it and open up to each other it generally goes way better than people expect.  [29:56] Having a culture where people are open, honest, and willing to engage and connect with one another, they feel connected to the place because they are connected to each other is the kind of culture that every organization wants to have and helps get the job done.  [31:56] People's reluctance to reach out and engage with others is exactly the kind of barrier that organizations would want to get rid of.  [33:38] The things that basic psychology has to teach people in business is the same thing we have to teach people in their everyday lives.   [36:02] If you are bringing people into your organization, think about interviewing with your culture in mind.  [38:46] When you make connection activities routine, common, easy, and part of the habits so people aren't thinking about it, you design it with the context so it just happens this way that is how they spread through organizations and you sustain them.  [41:30] Often organizations don't choose to make these types of opportunities a priority.   [43:52] Typing and texting lack the emotion and the thinking behind those words that you get from a person's voice.  [45:32] Share kind thoughts with other people.  [46:35] Think about somebody you feel grateful to and write them a note. Try to connect with a stranger. [49:17] Melina's closing thoughts [50:36] Take the time for real human connections, even small ones each day and see what happens.  Thanks for listening. Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Android. If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.  I hope you love everything recommended via The Brainy Business! Everything was independently reviewed and selected by me, Melina Palmer. So you know, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. That means if you decide to shop from the links on this page (via Amazon or others), The Brainy Business may collect a share of sales or other compensation. Let's connect: Melina@TheBrainyBusiness.com The Brainy Business® on Facebook The Brainy Business on Twitter The Brainy Business on Instagram The Brainy Business on LinkedIn Melina on LinkedIn The Brainy Business on Youtube Join the BE Thoughtful Revolution – our free behavioral economics community, and keep the conversation going! Learn and Support The Brainy Business: Check out and get your copies of Melina's Books.  Get the Books Mentioned on (or related to) this Episode: Mindwise, by Nick Epley Nudge, by Richard Thaler & Cass Sunstein Get It Done, by Ayelet Fishbach Both/And Thinking, by Wendy Smith & Marianne Lewis Happier Hour, by Cassie Holmes Connect with Nick:  Nick's Website Top Recommended Next Episode: Vulnerability Loops (ep 229) Already Heard That One? Try These:  Get It Done: Surprising Lessons from the Science of Motivation with Ayelet Fishbach (ep 186) How to Make 2023 Your Best Year Ever with Ayelet Fishbach and Cassie Holmes (ep 249) NUDGES & Choice Architecture (ep 35) Herding (ep 19)  Focusing Illusion (ep 89) The Brainy Benefits of Gratitude (ep 236) You Have More Influence Than You Think, Vanessa Bohns (ep 197) Both/And Thinking with Dr. Wendy Smith (ep 261) Herding (ep 19)  The Power of Us with Dr. Dominic Packer (ep 178) Using Behavioral Science to Build Connections, an interview with Jon Levy, author of You're Invited (ep 150) Reciprocity: The Amazing Power of Giving (ep 238) Only 1% of People Blow the Whistle at Work—How to Fix That, with Nuala Walsh (ep 153) Habits (ep 256) Other Important Links:  Brainy Bites - Melina's LinkedIn Newsletter Undersociality: miscalibrated social cognition can inhibit social connection Why Your Social Life Is Not What It Should Be Go Ahead, Ask for Help. People Are Happy to Give It. You Should Actually Send That Thank You Note You've Been Meaning to Write Small talk is boring. Our research shows how you can do better. The Unexpected Power of Random Acts of Kindness

In today's conversation, I am joined by Dr. Wendy Smith, coauthor of Both/And Thinking: Embracing Creative Tensions to Solve Your Toughest Problems. I don't think we realize it all that much, but our lives are full of paradoxes. Questions like: How can we each express our individuality and be a team player? How do we balance work and life? How can we take care of ourselves while supporting others? How can we manage the core business while innovating for the future? Believe it or not, these are some of the everyday paradoxes that make up our lives. And because our brains tend to default to either/or choices, we choose one option over the other. We deal with uncertainty by asserting certainty. BUT this is not the best way, as you will learn about in today's conversation with Wendy Smith, a co-author of one of my new favorite books: Both/And Thinking. Wendy is the Dana J. Johnson Professor of Management and earned her Ph.D. in organizational behavior at Harvard Business School, where she began her intensive research on strategic paradoxes—how leaders and senior teams effectively respond to contradictory, yet interdependent demands. She is a wealth of amazing information and I can't wait for you to learn from her today. Show Notes: [00:42] In today's conversation, I am joined by Dr. Wendy Smith, coauthor of Both/And Thinking: Embracing Creative Tensions to Solve Your Toughest Problems. [01:46] Wendy is the Dana J. Johnson Professor of Management and faculty director of the Women's Leadership Initiative at the Lerner College of Business and Economics, at the University of Delaware. [03:57] Wendy shares about herself, her background, and the work she does. She is a professor of organizational behavior and business leadership management.  [06:27] We all experience these tug of wars in our lives.  [09:37] Our decisions really have multiple layers to them. They show up for us as a dilemma - these competing ideas in which you feel like you have to make a decision.  [11:37] Underlying our dilemmas are these paradoxical tensions.  [14:23] It is not that we are constantly trying to choose between always trying to be super disciplined or always trying to be spontaneous. If we go extreme on one side it becomes problematic in so many ways.  [15:36] The goal is to recognize that there is a relationship between discipline and spontaneity and that discipline enables us to be spontaneous as long as we don't go so extreme. Spontaneity enables us to have more structure in our world.  [17:08] These tensions drive us into either/or thinking. That kind of thinking is limited at best and detrimental at worst.  [19:39] Often when change happens you feel like you have to change significantly and essentially you are throwing out the baby with the bath water by innovating everything. [21:44] Polarization is when you go down a path and you are sure that if you are right about the way you are thinking, someone else must be wrong. [24:35] Businesses should continue to be operationally successful as they move up their S curve. Continue to service your existing customers and be efficient with your existing products and at the same time be scanning, exploring, experimenting, and innovating to figure out what the new S curve looks like.  [27:09] The problem isn't the problem. The way we are framing and thinking about the problem is the problem.  [28:10] You have to change to stay the same.  [30:56] Wendy shares a story about a group that built an inn to honor and value what was key to the culture of Newfoundland.  [34:04] To keep what you have, you have to change and we should embrace that.  [35:35] Her number one tip for writing a book is just to sit and do it.  [38:04] Wendy and her co-author worked together to structure the ideas of the book.  [40:38] There is something deeply paradoxical about behavioral economics (and Wendy loves that!)  [43:02] Just changing the question will invite you into a whole different way of thinking.  [44:02] Melina's closing thoughts [45:55] Embracing paradoxes can have a huge impact. There is so much opportunity there.  Thanks for listening. Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Android. If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.  I hope you love everything recommended via The Brainy Business! Everything was independently reviewed and selected by me, Melina Palmer. So you know, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. That means if you decide to shop from the links on this page (via Amazon or others), The Brainy Business may collect a share of sales or other compensation. Let's connect: Melina@TheBrainyBusiness.com The Brainy Business® on Facebook The Brainy Business on Twitter The Brainy Business on Instagram The Brainy Business on LinkedIn Melina on LinkedIn The Brainy Business on Youtube Join the BE Thoughtful Revolution – our free behavioral economics community, and keep the conversation going! Learn and Support The Brainy Business: Check out and get your copies of Melina's Books.  Get the Books Mentioned on (or related to) this Episode: Both/And Thinking, by Wendy Smith & Marianne Lewis The Paradox of Choice, by Barry Schwartz Paradoxes of Group Life, by Kenwyn Smith & David Berg A More Just Future, by Dolly Chugh A More Beautiful Question, by Warren Berger Connect with Wendy:  Wendy's Website Wendy on Twitter Wendy on LinkedIn Top Recommended Next Episode: Framing (ep 16) Already Heard That One? Try These:  A More Just Future, with Dr. Dolly Chugh (ep 247) Paradox of Choice (ep 171) Dunning-Kruger Effect (ep 198) Past, Present, and Future Biase (ep 246) Time Discounting (ep 51) What Your Employees Need and Can't Tell You (ep 225) Change Management (ep 226) Confirmation Bias (ep 260) Focusing Illusion (ep 89) Functional Fixedness (ep 194) A More Beautiful Question with Warren Berger (ep 200) Other Important Links:  Brainy Bites - Melina's LinkedIn Newsletter

Today's episode is all about confirmation bias. My oh my, what an important topic when it comes to applying behavioral science to life and work. You have likely heard the term “confirmation bias” before, whether you heard this episode when it first aired back in May of 2020 or not, as this is one of those concepts that gets thrown around a bit. It is easy to understand on the surface, but the depth of its importance and impact isn't always realized.  Because our brains function largely on predictability and a love for the status quo, confirmation bias is part of our lives and work constantly. Did you know that whether or not you believe someone is difficult or easy to work with, can determine whether or not they are easy or difficult to work with? Kids' performance in school has been found to be tied to the way a teacher was told about them more than on their starting academic ability. Your view of your team or a project or a process can all be a filter that your confirmation bias either uses for good or to keep you stuck.  Now, in case you are wondering why I chose to refresh this episode today, it is because of the interview coming up on Friday with Wendy Smith about her book Both/And Thinking which will change your life. It is so good and fantastic. Because of that conversation, it felt like the best thing we could talk about today to set the stage is confirmation bias. As you listen today, think about what your biases are and where you have an “either/or” mindset. Our world is not one of binary choices. There are many opportunities in the both/and space that businesses can benefit from embracing and updating your filters to be set up for them is going to make such a difference. So, keep that in mind as you listen today. Show Notes: [00:39] Today's episode is all about confirmation bias. [01:16] Confirmation bias is part of our lives and work constantly. [03:25] In its most basic form confirmation bias comes down to our brain's desire to be correct and the subconscious filter deciding what gets through and stored and what gets ignored.  [03:59] The subconscious brain can do 11 million bits of information per second. The conscious brain can only do 40 bits.  [05:44] Stereotypes do go hand and hand with confirmation bias and many of these are taught to us intentionally or not when we are very young. [07:28] The four main ways you will see confirmation bias are: 1) not seeking out objective facts, 2) interpreting information to support your existing belief, 3) only remembering details that upheld your belief, and 4) ignoring information that challenges your belief.  [10:33] Studies have shown that seeing facts from an opposing side that contradicts what you believed going in actually has the opposite effect of what they should and can make people double down on their previous beliefs. (This is known as the backfire effect.) [11:18] You are going to seek out information that supports your beliefs and be more likely to believe, remember, and share those items that support your belief. You are also likely to attribute things to beliefs that aren't necessarily true.  [14:01] This reinforcing tendency is because of illusory correlation which is when we overestimate the relationship between two items to reinforce our biases even when little or no relationship exists.  [15:49] We humans are pretty bad listeners by nature because our brains are processing so much information at any given time.  [18:42] It is important to not start the conversation with a predetermined recommendation before they have had a chance to tell you about their situation. Most everyone should have at least two options.  [21:35] We can inadvertently talk people out of something they have chosen to get if we aren't careful.   [23:24] Confirmation bias doesn't have to be a bad thing and it can very much work to your advantage in life and business.  [24:07] Your conscious brain has limited capacity and you can't do everything so don't waste the effort on little unimportant beliefs.  [27:17] People who have been injured will often see themselves as victims, especially while they are dealing with all the legal stuff. Many people have a big improvement when their cases are settled because they are able to get out of that victim mindset. This is confirmation bias in action. [28:24] You can change the belief that has been holding you back if you are willing to put in a little effort.  [29:46] Melina's closing thoughts [30:40] You need to change YOU before trying to change them. [33:19] Try and find a real human connection point that can help you to get away from just seeing them as “that difficult team member.”  Thanks for listening. Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Android. If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.  I hope you love everything recommended via The Brainy Business! Everything was independently reviewed and selected by me, Melina Palmer. So you know, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. That means if you decide to shop from the links on this page (via Amazon or others), The Brainy Business may collect a share of sales or other compensation. Let's connect: Melina@TheBrainyBusiness.com The Brainy Business® on Facebook The Brainy Business on Twitter The Brainy Business on Instagram The Brainy Business on LinkedIn Melina on LinkedIn The Brainy Business on Youtube Join the BE Thoughtful Revolution – our free behavioral economics community, and keep the conversation going! Learn and Support The Brainy Business: Check out and get your copies of Melina's Books.  Get the Books Mentioned on (or related to) this Episode: A More Just Future, by Dolly Chugh Both/And Thinking, by Wendy Smith and Marianne Lewis What Your Employees Need and Can't Tell You, by Melina Palmer Influence, by Robert Cialdini You Have More Influence Than You Think, by Vanessa Bohns Top Recommended Next Episode: Vulnerability Loops (ep 229) Already Heard That One? Try These:  Framing (ep 16) A More Just Future, with Dr. Dolly Chugh (ep 247) IKEA Effect (ep 112) Reciprocity: The Amazing Power of Giving (ep 238) Priming (episode 18) Unity (ep 216) Dr. Robert Cialdini and the (Now!) 7 Principles of Persuasion (ep 157) The Power of Us with Dr. Dominic Packer (ep 178) The Most Important Step in Applying Behavioral Economics: Understanding the Problem (ep 126) Focusing Illusion (ep 89) Get Your D.O.S.E. of Brain Chemicals (ep 123) Decision Fatigue (ep 132) Other Important Links:  Brainy Bites - Melina's LinkedIn Newsletter  How to Effectively Combat Confirmation Bias with Melina Palmer Texas A&M Certificate program Check out the Master Your Mindset Mini-Course

Are you stuck in an either/or thinking pattern? Most of us are but the authors of “Both/And Thinking” share with us the extensive research they have done to shift the perspective from either/or to both/and thinking. Marianne Lewis joins us to explain how she and her co-author Wendy Smith began the study of paradoxes and both/and thinking, why it is important to apply in both our personal lives and our professional lives. They share how teams and leaders are impacted in an organization and how you shift the thinking and move people along the journey versus creating a box around them. Both/And thinking opens our eyes to be more creative, and flexible and has more impact on decisions in a world of competing demands.  Life is full of paradoxes. How do we balance work and life? How can we express our individuality and be team players? These competing and interwoven demands are the source of conflict. We deal with uncertainty by asserting certainty according to Lewis and Smith. They help readers cope and thrive with multiple, knotted tensions at the same time.  Join us on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube to listen to the full episode.#both/andthinking #leadership #tensions #wilempowered #womeninleadership

On episode 157, we welcome Marianne Lewis to discuss both/and thinking as opposed to either/or thinking, the inherent paradoxes of our lives and our existential inability to fully transcend them, the false dichotomy of reason vs emotions and how both serve one another, the S-curve and the necessity of fostering other forms of success while still on top, why Lego was able to adapt and thrive and IBM wasn't, creating guardrails to prevent an over-correction to  one option, getting stuck in emotional ruts and how to climb out of them, serendipity and the importance of creating your own luck, and the shared, implicit values underlying many political conflicts. Marianne W. Lewis is dean of the University of Cincinnati's Lindner School of Business and a professor of management. She formerly served as dean at Cass Business School in London. Her work has appeared in major outlets such as the New York Times, CNBC, the Financial Times, and Harvard Business Review. Her new book, co-authored with Wendy Smith, is called Both/And Thinking: Embracing Creative Tensions to Solve Your Toughest Problems.  | Marianne W. Lewis | ► Website | https://bothandthinking.net ► Both/And Thinking Book | https://bothandthinking.net/book ► Twitter | https://twitter.com/mariannewlewis ► Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083306262641 ► Linkedin | https://www.linkedin.com/in/marianne-lewis-8214535 Where you can find us: | Seize The Moment Podcast | ► Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/SeizeTheMoment ► Twitter | https://twitter.com/seize_podcast ► Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/seizethemoment ► TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@seizethemomentpodcast ► Patreon | https://www.patreon.com/user?u=32208666

“If we shift our thinking to a both/and approach it enables us to open up all kinds of different possibilities and to use these tensions as a source of creativity.”Today we are delighted to welcome Wendy K Smith to the podcast. Wendy is the Emma Smith Morris Professor of Management and academic director of the Women's Leadership Initiative at the University of Delaware's Lerner College of Business & Economics.  Wendy is also the co-author of the brilliant book Both/And Thinking, which challenges the perception that we have to choose between pursuing two things we love. Instead, the book sets out the ways that we can be both/and instead of either/or,  including providing tools for coping with multiple tensions at the same time.Wendy and Verena discuss both/and thinking in the context of progressing your career whilst enjoying your young family and share practical tips on focusing on the bigger picture goals and learning to find comfort in the discomfort.We hope you enjoy the conversation.  Find out more about Both/And thinking, including where to order a copy of the book via bothandthinking.net.Find out more about the work of Leaders Plus, including details of our award-winning Fellowship Programmes and our latest events by signing up to receive our emails at leadersplus.org.uk/newsletter.

Today I talk to Wendy K. Smith, a professor of management and faculty director at the Women's Leadership Initiative at the University of Delaware, and Marianne W. Lewis, the dean of Carl H. Lindner College of Business at the University of Cincinnati, about the power of using both/and thinking to solve your biggest problems. Go here to purchase their book Both/And Thinking: https://amzn.to/3Ff0flx. What We Discuss with Marianne W. Lewis and Wendy K. Smith About Both/and Thinking Both/and thinking is a versatile thinking style that helps you look at problems from multiple perspectives and find sustainable and creative solutions. By learning to use both/and thinking, you'll be able to think outside the box and solve problems in unique and innovative ways! Likewise, the mechanisms for navigating paradoxes are paradoxical. We need tools that can be adopted on an individual level. Marianne and Wendy show us how to change our mindsets to embrace both/and thinking and shift sentiments to find comfort with the discomfort of paradoxes. Full show notes and resources can be found here: https://passionstruck.com/marianne-lewis-and-wendy-smith-both-and-thinking/  Brought to you by BiOptimizers and American Giant. --► For information about advertisers and promo codes, go to: https://passionstruck.com/deals/  --► Prefer to watch this interview: https://youtu.be/VvtLYHC8wfw  Like this show? Please leave us a review here -- even one sentence helps! Consider including your Twitter or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! --► Subscribe to Our YouTube Channel Here: https://www.youtube.com/c/JohnRMiles Want to find your purpose in life? I provide my six simple steps to achieving it - passionstruck.com/5-simple-steps-to-find-your-passion-in-life/ Did you hear my interview with Robin Sharma, one of the top personal mastery and leadership coaches in the world and a multiple-time number-one New York Times best-selling author? Catch up with episode 209: Robin Sharma on Why Changing the World Starts by Changing Ourselves ===== FOLLOW ON THE SOCIALS ===== * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/passion_struck_podcast * Gear: https://www.zazzle.com/store/passion_sruck_podcast Learn more about John: https://johnrmiles.com/ 

Wendy Smith is a professor of management at the Alfred Lerner College of Business & Economics, co-founder of the Women's Leadership Initiative and author of the book Both/And Thinking. She is an advocate for bold leadership, and much of her work focuses on helping leaders and teams navigate paradoxes. We have invited Wendy Smith to talk about how we can get better at embracing paradoxes and go from either/or to both/and thinking. The key topics covered in this episode are: How we can embrace and invite tensions into the organisation How paradox invites us to honour different points of view How we can capitalise on friction The importance of being transparent and vulnerable as a leader Inviting ourselves to think about a different possibility space How we can change questions from either/or to both/and  For references, links, and other episodes, visit the podcast homepage here. 

The Minimalists speak with Wendy Smith, author of Both/And Thinking, about shortening cycles of inner conflict. Listen to all two hours of episode 364 on The Minimalists Private Podcast. Discussed in this episode: How do we better analyze and accept our shortcomings and failures? (01:57) What is “emotional ambivalence”? (10:38) How do we tactfully manage rocky relationships with family and friends? (15:13) How do we commit to leaving an unfulfilling job? (19:12) What are “competence traps”? (21:35) Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast Join The Minimalists Private Podcast: minimalists.com/support

Professor of Business Administration at the University of Delaware and co-author of “Both/And Thinking”, Dr. Wendy Smith, shares three of her Canadian mom Jewel's most important lessons: It's all about people, so create a community; focus on possibilities, not obstacles; and make time for fun in life. We also spoke about Wendy's work with strategic paradoxes, and how now, more than ever, we need to shift from either/or thinking to both/and thinking. Wendy discusses this “inclusive” way of thinking and shares a few tips on using it every day to grow from dilemmas (like balancing work and family) instead of shrinking from them. We learn about the history of paradox theory, and its connection to quantum physics, psychoanalysis, and spirituality.  You can learn more about Wendy and "Both/And Thinking", and connect to her, here: Book Website:  www.bothandthinking.net LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendykimsmith/ Twitter: @profwendysmith Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Wendy-Smith-111141458290288 Instagram: @prof.wendysmith To contact Ana, to be a guest, or suggest a guest, please send your mail to: info@thankyoumama.net   For more about “Thank You, Mama" and to subscribe to the newsletter, please visit: http://www.thankyoumama.net To connect with Ana on social media: https://www.instagram.com/anatajder/ https://www.facebook.com/ana.tajder https://www.linkedin.com/in/anatajder/ https://twitter.com/tajder  

In this episode, Caleb talks with Marianne Lewis about her book, Both/And Thinking and more.Links MentionedMarianne LewisBoth/And Thinking: Embracing Creative Tensions to Solve Your Toughest Problems by Marianne LewisCaleb's Newsletter

Rayna Neises, ACC, host, shares two important tools to help caregivers manage the stress that can be experienced while caring for a loved one.  She shares examples and insight on reframing and “Both/And” Thinking:[2:21]  When we frame our experience with good in mind, it is easier to see the good[4:26]  Reframing helps you to see all of the picture, not just one little part.[5:15]  Take a deep breath and notice if ‘your camera is zoomed in' or your perspective is distorted.[5:39]  Reframing will help you strengthen your mental resolve.[6:36]  “Both/And” Thinking vs. “Either/Or” Thinking[7:50]  Unlike compromise which requires giving up something to agree, “Both/And” Thinking let's both exist together.[9:37]  Read more at: “Both/And” Thinking, Say What? – Undaunted [10:34]  “Both/And” Thinking creates breathing room and helps you to appreciate what you have lost and to appreciate what you have now.This episode has been brought to you by No Regrets: Hope for Your Caregiving Season. Purchase your signed copy and special bundle by visiting www.NoRegrets-book.com.  Once you have read it, please consider leaving a review at any major retailer or Goodreads.

Leaders are often confronted with strategic paradoxes: conflicting demands that are commonly viewed as either/or choices. Do you focus on social responsibility or maximize profits? Are we dedicated leaders or dedicated caregivers? Do you change an individual or change the system? In this episode, RHR's Adam Magerman, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging consultant, speaks to Wendy Smith, professor at the University of Delaware, co-founder of the Lerner Women's Leadership Initiative, and one of the authors of Both/And Thinking, which is about understanding and implementing the paradoxical mindset framework. They explore how moving from either/or thinking to both/and thinking can help leaders and organizations expand their view of what is possible and create psychological flexibility, leading to greater creativity, well-being, and decision-making impact.

We've all felt pulled in two seemingly opposite directions and faced tough dilemmas at work at times: Culture fit or culture add? Employees-first or customer-first? Innovation or efficiency? Self-managed teams or traditional hierarchy? In this episode, Professor Wendy Smith from the University of Delaware talks about her new book Both/And Thinking; Embracing Creative Tensions and the opportunities that open up when dropping the “either/or” mindset and embracing a paradoxical one. To join CultureBrained, go to tiny.one/culturebrained

Marianne Lewis discusses the book "Both/And Thinking" and ways to embracing creative tensions to solve your toughest problems. Marianne is Dean and Professor of Management at the University of Cincinnati's Carl H. Lindner College of Business. Listen for three action items you can use today. Host, Kevin Craine Do you want to be a guest?

Wendy Smith is the co-author of Both/And Thinking. She earned her Ph.D. in organizational behavior at Harvard Business School, and is currently a professor of management at the Alfred Lerner College of Business & Economics and Co-director of the Women's Leadership Initiative at the University of Delaware. Wendy's research focuses on strategic paradoxes – how leaders and senior teams effectively respond to contradictory agendas. She studies how organizations and their leaders simultaneously explore new possibilities while exploiting existing competencies, and how social enterprises simultaneously attend to social missions and financial goals. Wendy teaches leadership, organizational behavior and business ethics. She has taught MBAs and undergraduates at University of Delaware, Harvard and University of Pennsylvania – Wharton. Wendy was awarded the University of Delaware MBA Teaching Award in 2016. Wendy has also taught executive and senior leadership teams how to manage interpersonal dynamics, emotional intelligence, high performing teams, organizational change and innovation, managing in times of crisis, and managing strategic paradoxes.. www.bothandthinking.net

Tim Arnold is the President of Leaders for Leaders and the author of two books, the newly released, “Lead with And - The Secret to Resilience and Results in a Polarized World” and “The Power of Healthy Tension” In this episode, Tim Arnold covers the concept and the ins and outs of what he calls Both/And Thinking. We cover a lot of ground including: The key differences between a both/and approach and an either/or approach Why an either/or approach is not useful when we are looking for connection and cooperation Why it is possible to have both innovation and having something familiar and safe Why taking time to listen to others with different perspectives can be the best way to make decisions Why dealing with healthy tensions is positive How taking time for tone setting and naming the core issues can really improve outcomes How connection is a hugely beneficial feature of events Beyond the spectacular events can really be impactful when they change the way we think, or when we create new connections

In this episode, we start out discussing a book that Jason has recently read titled Spirtual Bypassing by Robert Augustus Masters Ph.D. Book Link: https://www.amazon.com/Spiritual-Bypassing-Spirituality-Disconnects-Matters/dp/1556439059Spiritual Bypassing engages the topics of healthy spirituality and how spirituality and religion can also become a tool for disengaging from shame, trauma, and negative emotions in an unhealthy way. Jason learned about this book form the article at the link below https://highexistence.com/10-spiritual-bypassing-things-people-total-bullshit/. In our Deep Dive segment, we discuss “Both/And” thinking. “Both/And” Thinking is a tool from Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and is useful in freeing ourselves from the trap of black and white, or, “Either/Or Thinking. We finish off our episode with an Off the Rails Segment on “Ultra Spirituality”. We have a good laugh at ourselves and the world around us as we traverse some of the habits that we fall into. We drew inspiration and would like to give special thanks to JP Sears and his video “How to be Ultra Spiritual”. You can find it on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1kDso5ElFRg