Paradoxical Thinking vs Cause and Effect Thinking:
The Benefits of Thinking Outside the Box
Adrian F. Arce
National University
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
a. Definition of Cause and Effect and Paradoxical Thinking
b. Comparison of both modes of thinking
2. Disney’s Paradoxical Approach to Increased Share Prices
a. Different products for a diverse audience
b. Unlikely purchase leads to greater cinema success
3. How One Can Improve Paradoxical Thinking
a. Disney Institute
4. Why is Paradoxical Thinking Not Common?
5. Conclusion
6. Reference Page
Have you ever thought how one thinks? It’s a natural process that occurs sometimes without you knowing it. Did you know there are a number different thinking …show more content…
Cause and effect thinking is the most prevalent form of thinking because it is the simplest- one thing causes another. Utilizing this mode of thinking in the workplace, “we tend to believe that a problem-addressed in one area of the organization has no consequences for the other areas” (Quinn, Faerman, Thompson, McGrath, & Bright, 2015). Paradoxical thinking, which is not so common, considers that actions that we take today and how it affects different areas in the workplace. Paradoxical thinking is “thinking that transcends the contradictions and recognizes that two seemingly opposite conditions can be simultaneously true” (Quinn, Faerman, Thompson, McGrath, & Bright, 2015). This style of thinking deals with paradoxes and uncertainty that otherwise would make people uncomfortable and unable to move past their comfort zone. To me, paradoxical thinking requires one to think out of the box, be innovative, and be courageous enough to break down barriers so that the organization may prosper. Both styles of thinking can be applied in the workplace, but if one desires to move up the chain, become a leader, and gain a mastery in his/her profession, thinking simple and closed minded will not get you there. Leaders tend stand out amongst their peers and “they possess the aptitude of paradoxical thinking which makes them act in a paradoxical way—or rather in a way that appears to be paradoxical to those who do not possess this ability” (Ingram, Lewis, Barton, & Gartner,
The Benefits of Thinking Outside the Box
Adrian F. Arce
National University
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
a. Definition of Cause and Effect and Paradoxical Thinking
b. Comparison of both modes of thinking
2. Disney’s Paradoxical Approach to Increased Share Prices
a. Different products for a diverse audience
b. Unlikely purchase leads to greater cinema success
3. How One Can Improve Paradoxical Thinking
a. Disney Institute
4. Why is Paradoxical Thinking Not Common?
5. Conclusion
6. Reference Page
Have you ever thought how one thinks? It’s a natural process that occurs sometimes without you knowing it. Did you know there are a number different thinking …show more content…
Cause and effect thinking is the most prevalent form of thinking because it is the simplest- one thing causes another. Utilizing this mode of thinking in the workplace, “we tend to believe that a problem-addressed in one area of the organization has no consequences for the other areas” (Quinn, Faerman, Thompson, McGrath, & Bright, 2015). Paradoxical thinking, which is not so common, considers that actions that we take today and how it affects different areas in the workplace. Paradoxical thinking is “thinking that transcends the contradictions and recognizes that two seemingly opposite conditions can be simultaneously true” (Quinn, Faerman, Thompson, McGrath, & Bright, 2015). This style of thinking deals with paradoxes and uncertainty that otherwise would make people uncomfortable and unable to move past their comfort zone. To me, paradoxical thinking requires one to think out of the box, be innovative, and be courageous enough to break down barriers so that the organization may prosper. Both styles of thinking can be applied in the workplace, but if one desires to move up the chain, become a leader, and gain a mastery in his/her profession, thinking simple and closed minded will not get you there. Leaders tend stand out amongst their peers and “they possess the aptitude of paradoxical thinking which makes them act in a paradoxical way—or rather in a way that appears to be paradoxical to those who do not possess this ability” (Ingram, Lewis, Barton, & Gartner,