Dear Friends and Colleagues,

In late June I began an email correspondence with Bruno Annetta, a retired science teacher and artist. Bruno had signed up to receive TWAICB Newsletter. I sent a message to thank Bruno for this. He then wrote back with a more elaborate message that included kind words about the work of TWAICB to bring attention to the continuing relevance of the UDHR to further equality, equity, justice and dignity for all, and included the following information:

I’ve also given you a link to my current interest in paradoxical thinking which I see as extremely important not only in the creative process (As I’ve demonstrated in my video) but also in understanding the paradoxical nature of the brain. I believe we are paradoxical beings and that we need to understand what that means and how to navigate it if we are to create a better world.

Bruno’s Video: Paradoxical Thinking a Practical Example

After writing back to Bruno to thank him for this introduction to paradoxical thinking, he provided additional resources on the subject.  The following are links to the two Tedx Talks I watched, with more details about the speakers noted at the end of this message:
Wendy K. Smith:  The Power of Paradox
Marianne W. Lewis: The Power of Paradox

I was particularly taken with points made by Marianne Lewis about the problems we bring on ourselves with either/or thinking, including greater polarization stemming from digging into one side versus the other, and how with a paradox mindset, we can value the tensions of seemingly contradictory choices, and respond in a more open-minded, problem solving manner that integrates the positives of both choices.

Currently, besides dealing with our day-to-day challenges, including navigating conflicts in our interpersonal connections—at work and/or at home, and such major, scary forces as climate change, we in the U.S. have major choices to make in the upcoming presidential election.  With the idea that bringing attention to paradoxical thinking could be helpful in addressing such challenges, and in the spirit of The World As It Could Be 4 Questions at a Time Initiative, we interviewed Bruno, asking these 4 questions:

1. How and when did you first learn about paradoxical thinking?

2. What is it about paradoxical thinking that compels you to deepen your work with, as well as to let others like us at TWAICB know more about this concept?

3. What relevance does paradoxical thinking have in dealing with both day-to-day problem-solving, as well as such broader challenges as climate change?

4. How could an understanding of paradoxical thinking help us evaluate the choices we have in our upcoming election, so that we can consider factors beyond what might appear to be binary choices?

While we highly recommend watching the interview to benefit directly from Bruno’s knowledge and direct application of paradoxical thinking, the following outlines Bruno’s set of guiding principles that incorporate paradoxical thinking. Each principle is listed below in bold print, followed by two of Bruno’s examples of applying them, and one that reflects my own thoughts on how to apply them to evaluate our upcoming presidential election choices.

1. Know my intention

• In a relationship problem: What’s my intention in my communication?
• In dealing with the threats of climate change: I want to be able to do something to help.
• In considering the November presidential election: I want to vote knowing that I’ve considered what’s important to me about how I want American governance to operate, rather than only considering the choice of candidates and their personalities.

2. Know myself and the assumptions I’m making about the situation

• In a relationship problem: What are my assumptions that give me the view I have of the problem and the person(s) involved?
• Regarding doing something about climate change:I’m assuming the problem is too big for me and that I can’t make a difference, and I’m angry with others who deny climate change.
• In considering the November presidential election: I’ve formed assumptions about the candidates based on what I’ve seen and read via my media sources of information.

3. Know nothing—Put my assumptions aside to create an open mindset and find other possible ways to consider the situation and be curious.

• In a relationship problem: What can I ask to learn more about what the other person is experiencing that may have spurred their statements or actions?
• Regarding doing something about climate change:What can I do, even in a small way?
• Regarding the November presidential election: Two starting questions I want to seek answers to:
  • What are the positions of the candidates and the parties they represent with regard to such issues as valuing diversity, the use of our tax dollars to help the greater good, such as for education, health care and safety nets, and the role the U.S. ought to have in dealing with international conflicts?
  • How have the candidates and the parties they represent demonstrated respect for and adherence to the rule of law, the foundation for our democratic form of government?

4. Know when I know nothing—Know that I’m now open to taking even small steps to seek answers and learn more.

• In a relationship problem: In our video interview, Bruno describes the small steps he took and the profound results of his actions.
• Regarding doing something about climate change: Bruno identified and then resolved to carry out such small steps as include information in my coursework, support a government that is trying to do something, recycle green waste, conserve electricity, and seek to better understand those who are denying climate change.
• Regarding the November presidential election:I am open to examining the published platforms of each political party and researching actual statements made by each candidate regarding their positions on my issues of concern.

There is a lot more to learn about paradoxical thinking, including the physical makeup of our own brains that are paradoxical in their very nature. We are hopeful that awareness and utilization of paradoxical thinking can be of value in both our day-to-day lives, as well as in dealing with these challenging times. We also hope that the resources we’re sharing help in taking giant steps to expand awareness of broader ways to examine what might have originally been seen as either/or choices or situations that generated discomfort due to their uncertainty or ambiguity. And, we are deeply grateful to Bruno Annetta for introducing us and you to this exciting concept.

With appreciation and best regards,
Sandy Sohcot, Director

Paradoxical Thinking Resource Information:

Wendy K. Smith 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, University of Delaware.
Marianne W. Lewis is dean and professor of management at the Lindner College of Business, University of Cincinnati. She previously served as dean of Cass Business School at City, University of London, and as a Fulbright scholar.
Their work: Both/And Thinking

Iain McGilchrist
https://www.ted.com/talks/iain_mcgilchrist_the_divided_brain

Why the Paradox Mindset is the Key to Success
https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20201109-why-the-paradox-mindset-is-the-key-to-success