Black and white thinking is the tendency to think in extremes.
Have you ever been told your mind-set was limited and your thinking was lacking a grey zone? Perhaps you are being viewed with a Leadership Style that is restricted to thinking only in terms of black or white, either/or?
Per Empowered Counseling:
Black and White thinking, also known as either/or thinking may be defined as an extreme way of thinking where a person can only see one possibility. Finding the gray may be defined as being able to find more than one possibility or solution.
Black and white thinkers are often considered “great resources for personal growth and understanding“, and that they drive results. This initially sounds good, and goals may be more readily attained, but thinking in terms of extremes is limiting.
Look for the middle ground and understand that it’s okay to incorporate “maybe” or “possibly” into our vocabulary; there’s more than simply black or white thinking. Even while black and white thinkers are considered “great resources”, as with any style or behavior, over-using a strength can result in a weakness.
Consider how often you use the following words:
- always
- never
- good
- bad
- impossible
- disaster
- ruined
- perfect
If any are over-used, you may sabotage your career and relationships, as well as impact your physical and mental health.
Enter the grey area. Effective leadership includes building relationships, supporting goals, driving results, seeking advice when needed, and listening. It’s also necessary to take into account what’s good for the work culture, the people, and the organization as a whole. Understand that there are options and possibilities!
As always awareness is key. Be open to new thoughts and avoid using the words associated with the black and white mentality.
Sincerely,
Mike and Jan
Black-and-white thinking refers to a rigid mindset.
— Christopher Hansen, LPC, Ph.D
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