I recently listened to a short series of radio shows called “The Death of Nuance”
The opening programme highlights how much, in our 24/7, social media driven world of “news”, we see things in binary, yes/no, either/or terms.
I often say I’m a “both/and” person, am not a fan of “either/or”. When we get stuck in one viewpoint we are exhibiting what Carol Dweck calls a “fixed mindset”, as opposed to the “growth mindset” where we are always curious and looking to learn and grow.
What is more, when we live in an “either/or” space, we are received by others as not truly listening, as not being open to other points of view. Even more, where we are stuck to our opinons and views, we (ok, “I”) can have a tendency to judge others negatively.
If we can focus on nuance, on seeking to understand the views of others, then we open ourselves up to learn from others, rather than being so tribal.
As I often say, business is simple, people are complex. It is therefore understandable that our views will differ, and for different reasons that inform us throughout our lives, reasons that go to our feelings as much (or more) as our rationale and pure logic.
Here’s to nuance.