Both/And Mindset

Both/And Mindset is a thought process to help us understand that multiple things can be true at the same time. It is intersectional contemplation. It is knowing that there is not always just one way to think.

This mindset challenges us to engage in a more conscious thinking process. Both/And may not always be the answer, but it is important to be intentional in considering various perspectives. This mindset helps us to critically think about differences, not as wrong or bad, but as possibilities.

Our backgrounds, experiences, histories, learning, etc. are all part of WHO we are, and they influence how we process our thoughts. We are intersectional beings, and Both/And Mindset considers all the parts of our identity. It encourages diverse perspectives, distinct ways to get to the same outcome, and engages conscious decision making. Both/And Mindset is being open minded, objective, and empathetic. It is seeing another point of view and being receptive to other ways to reach a conclusion.

As we navigate complexities, challenging conversations, and contemplate difficult decisions, a Both/And Mindset may help to resolve conflict. Both/And Mindset is not agreeing to disagree, it is truly about exploring the possibility that both can true and right. This forces a thought process of examining things that may help you reach a conclusion. It is opening your mind to analyzing things in a way that “both” and “and” may coexist. Both/And Mindset does not dissolve people from decision-making, nor should it create confusion. Both/And is not complicit, it is not accepting of disinformation, violence, and hate. Both/And Mindset can be a peaceful resolution to problem solving as it is inclusive of two distinct ways that can both be valid.

Both: two ideas, answers, concepts, identities, etc. It is like being a person who identifies as a man and a dad.

And: is not like “or” where you must choose A or B to get the correct answer. It is choosing A and B as the right choice.

Both/And Mindset encourages us to be open to varying viewpoints, ask probing questions, and listen for understanding. If you reach the conclusion that there are multiple right answers, don’t expend energy on arguing these right options, instead you must mutually comprehend that both of the choices are different and correct. Or there may just be one right answer, but the Both/And Mindset attempts to help us search for distinct truths and it challenges our own self-righteousness.

Below are some examples of Both/And Mindset:

• I am a Black woman and I am Jewish. I practice African spirituality and I am a member of a Reform synagogue. I am an educator who also teaches at Sunday school at a Jewish temple. I facilitate learning for children and adults. I am an activist and advocate who fights against racism, antiBlackness, antisemitism, Islamophobia, xenophobia, homophobia, poverty, injustice, and all forms of hate. I am an author, artist and an elected public servant. I am a mother, wife, and I have pets. My intersectional identity may create complexities (between different worlds) AND I know and am proud of who I am.
• Supporting employee resource or affinity groups focused on a common identity may be needed by some people due to various reasons (especially historically marginalized groups). One can support these groups and appreciate their value. They can also understand the need to effectively and respectfully integrate the needs of this group into the broader institution. Both/And is the voluntary separation of specific identity groups AND the intentional inclusion of and collaboration with the general organization.
• Fighting for justice and freedom while uplifting human dignity are critical. One can fight against oppression and injustice and embrace human rights. Humanity does not have to be compromised as the fight for liberation is pursued. One can fight for the right to survive and protect themselves. One can love human life AND if they are in a dangerous situation where their life is at risk, they can take life away. One can have conflict with another person AND value their right to thrive.
• Teamwork requires collaboration and many work environments engage teams to work on projects. There may be disagreements and differences on approach, and the team can still complete the task. There may be conflict and when team members are focused on resolutions instead of personal issues, they can successfully complete the project. Team personality differences may occur and when members are focused on the work, these differences do not impact the results. Teams can disagree (not always reach consensus) AND still not be dysfunctional as long as they are focused on the common goal of successful outcomes.
• One can believe that everyone should have the same thing (equality) AND have different things to meet their unique needs (equity). Two schools can have a library (same = equal) yet the schools may have different books to represent their identities and reflect the cultural needs of the school population (equity). Everyone should be valued and know they belong in the same way (equal treatment) AND different people may have distinct needs that may be more or different from the other and addressing those needs (access and opportunity) is important. Equality AND equity are both important.
• When students do not follow the code of conduct, they can be disciplined with life lessons and consequences. They can be taught how to restore the harm / damage caused and get consequences for their behavior. Adults may seek out the root causes of the behavior and help to ensure the bad behavior is not repeated. Adults can give consequences AND encourage behavior change by engaging in restorative practices.
• Some symbols can mean different things for different people. One symbol can be sacred for some people whereas the same or a similar symbol can be offensive. Both/And is that the swastika can represent something beautiful in the Asian and Native American cultures and something threatening in the Jewish faith. The symbol is not wrong for those who value its significance AND the co-opted symbol can be terrorizing for Jews.
• One can hold someone accountable and still support them. Challenging someone to be and do better can be difficult and it is an act of tough love and bravery. One can encourage taking responsibility for actions AND want success for the other person.
• One can have the courage to speak out against inequality and inequity to demand change AND understand the nuances of systemic change. One can work with urgency to address a need AND bring people along in the process with intentional inclusion and authentic collaboration. Transformative systems change can take time AND immediate actions can help drive the change to improve outcomes.

There are so many examples of both/and that may explain complex situations. I encourage you not to judge or assume. Ask questions, investigate, think critically and have a Both/And Mindset.

To learn about GRACE Mindset, click on the following link: GRACE Mindset