5 both/and mindset shifts that Leaders should embrace

What is both/and thinking?

Stepping beyond ‘right’ or ‘wrong’, ‘good‘ or ‘bad’ the concept of both/and thinking is about embracing that multiple perspectives and solutions can exist at once.

This contrasts with either/or thinking which forces choice between two concepts or ideas.

When we adopt this style of thinking, we create space for the ever-present complexity that exists in life and leadership, integrating diverse and divergent viewpoints for a more comprehensive way forward.

Here are five both/and mindset shifts that will change how you live and lead:

Self-Compassion & High Standards

Being kind and compassionate with yourself, and holding yourself to high standards can feel contradictory. However when both are embraced together you find yourself with balanced motivation, a reduced fear of failure, a better relationship with yourself, and more sustainable effort over time.

Research shows that self-compassionate people are more resilient and adaptable in the face of challenges. This is because you’re less likely to harshly criticise yourself and your abilities, which results in lower stress and anxiety, and an ability to emotionally recover more easily from set backs and failures. Self-compassion is the key to holding yourself to high standards as it allows you to strive for your best without becoming worn-out by perfectionism.

Recommendation: Read Optimal by Daniel Goleman or listen to the podcast here.

Future Orientation & Present Focus

The balance between being future orientated yet presently focused is struck when you are able to stay intentional and consistent towards your future vision, but remain grounded in what you can do today.

This requires trust in yourself and in the process, and allows you to enjoy the present without wishing you were further ahead in the journey.

Research shows that people often delay joy to a set point in the future when you believe you’ll have done the ‘thing’ that makes you happy, only to find it doesn’t give you the feeling of fulfilment you’ve been seeking.

However when you’re future orientated and stay presently focused you can find this contentment and joy every day.

Recommendation: Learn from 'The Mother of Mindfulness' ellen langer about the Illusion of Control on the podcast.

Firm Boundaries & Cognitive Flexibility

By combining firm boundaries with cognitive flexibility you maintain a balance that protects your well-being and allows you to adapt and succeed in a dynamic environment. This both/and relationship ensures that you can stay focused and grounded on what’s important to you, while being open to change and adapting to the constantly evolving world around you.

Adopting firm boundaries alongside cognitive flexibility will improve your ability to be adaptive in your decision making, manage your stress, find different ways to solve problems and communicate in a mindful and empathic way.

Think of it as a more fluid — rather than rigid way — to maintain your boundaries.

Recommendation: Listen to 'Unlocking Emotional Optimism' with Claude Silver on the podcast.

Highly Productive & Well Rested

There is an often overlooked synergy between efficiency and rest; to function at your best you need to take time to recharge your mental, emotional, spiritual, physical, creative and social batteries. You do this through rest.

In this case more isn’t always more; often rest is actually more productive than pushing on when your body and brain is giving you clear signals — like headaches and low energy — that rest is needed.

Research from companies such as Microsoft have also proven the brain is more focused and engaged after periods of short rest such as mindfulness exercises and mental breaks.

Recommendation: Read 'Sacred Rest' by Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith or listen to the podcast here.

Goal Setting & Iterative Thinking

The both/and relationship between goal setting and iterative thinking is about having the clarity and direction of clear goals, and staying open to the multitude of different approaches to achieving them.

When you combine goal setting with iterative thinking it creates a cycle of continuous improvement where you can apply the knowledge you learn along the way to iterate and adapt to how you achieve the goal.

In contrast to rigid thinking — where we stay fixed and stuck in the ‘how’ of doing things — iterative thinking allows you to stay agile and nimble on the ‘how’ while staying true to what your goals are.

Recommendation: Read 'Survive, Reset and Thrive' by Rebecca Homkes or listen to the podcast here.

A human leader can embrace both/and thinking giving them the capacity to hold space for complexity and nuance without the need to reduce thinking to false dichotomies. In a world that's increasingly challenging and ever-evolving, both/and thinking is a critical skill for all leaders.

Where could you use more both/and thinking in your life and leadership? Share with me in the comments. And feel free to right click the image with the paradox that resonates with you most and share it as a post on your LinkedIn, I'd love to see your thoughts!