Learn how to move beyond 'either-or' trade-offs to create genuinely superior solutions for your most complex leadership challenges. In this episode, strategy and innovation expert Jennifer Riel shares the powerful framework of integrative thinking, exploring how to leverage the tension between opposing ideas and use human-centred design to navigate volatile times with clarity and purpose.Are you stuck between a rock and a hard place?
As leaders, we often feel forced into binary choices: Cut costs OR invest in innovation? Focus on short-term results OR long-term strategy?
Most people settle for a compromise - or what today’s guest calls "The Smush."
But what if you didn't have to choose?
In this episode, Lee sits down with Jennifer Riel, the former Global COO of IDEO and current Adjunct Professor at the Rotman School of Management.
,Jennifer is the co-author of the Wall Street Journal bestseller Creating Great Choices, and she joins us to break down the framework of Integrative Thinking.
In this episode, you will learn:The "Either/Or" Trap: Why binary thinking kills innovation and how to spot it.
The Danger of "The Smush": Why compromising to keep everyone happy often leads to mediocre results (and what to do instead).
The P&G Case Study: How A.G. Lafley used integrative thinking to solve an impossible innovation crisis at Procter & Gamble.
"Stealth Mode" Influence: How to introduce new decision-making tools to your team without resistance.
How to "Fall in Love" with Opposing Ideas: A counter-intuitive method for resolving conflict in the boardroom.
Whether you are a CEO, a team lead, or an entrepreneur, this episode will give you the tools to move beyond trade-offs and start creating genuinely new solutions.
(00:00) Introduction: The Trap of "Either/Or" Trade-offs
(02:40) Jennifer’s Journey: From English Lit to IDEO COO(05:30) What is Integrative Thinking?
(08:45) Beware "The Smush": Why Compromise Kills Innovation
(12:45) How to Argue Better: Suspending Judgment & Loving the Opposition
(17:15) Case Study: How P&G Solved the Innovation Paradox
(22:45) Applying Strategy to Personal Life (The Arranged Marriage Example)
(25:00) "Stealth Mode": How to Introduce New Thinking to Your Team
(28:30) Design Thinking vs. Integrative Thinking: What’s the Difference?
(33:00) Leadership Spotlight: Ken Chenault & American Express
(35:45) Lee’s Key Takeaways & Conclusion
Mentioned in this episode:Book: Creating Great Choices: A Leader's Guide to Integrative ThinkingConcept: Design Thinking vs. Integrative Thinking
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