The limits of either-or

Ultimately, every decision is a choice between either-or.

However, in our pursuit to committing to either-or, we blind ourselves to the possibility of a third alternative. An either-or choice is limited by what we know, feel safer about, and hold to be true.

As leaders, to better deal with the increasing levels of complexity and uncertainty, pursuing a third alternative may bring about new possibilities.

Here are three questions to help you access the value of a third alternative:

Who could I talk with that would bring a different perspective? Find people who see and think differently to you and listen for the value in their differences.    

What assumptions am I making I haven’t tested? Then ask yourself, what if my assumptions were not true?

What if either-or was not an option, then what? Identify a third alternative, explore the pros and cons, then be courageous. 

COMMITMENT

When you next face an either-or decision. Stop. Then ask yourself these three questions. Remember what Marshall Goldsmith said, “what got you here, won’t get you there.”  As a leader, your value is not thinking and acting the same way you always have.

May you flourish.