In business, we occasionally forget that one of the greatest and most vital assets we have is the ability to collect outside information or advice to make a sound judgment. Vincent Ryan Ruggiero defines the Either/Or Outlook in his book Beyond Feelings: A Guide to Critical Thinking as, "the expectation that the only reasonable view of any issue is either total affirmation or total rejection". As a result, sufferers of this disability oftentimes rush to make decisions and discount moderate views.

  When presented with a problem or goal there may at first seem as though there are only two ways to approach it: the right way and the wrong way. Ruggiero offers a good example of this,

  "In a talk-show exchange, one professor argued that teachers, sensitive to feminist criticism, have been giving more attention to girls than to boys. Another rejected that explanation and blamed the excessive emphasis fathers place on their sons’ involvement in sports. Each felt it necessary to denounce the other’s view, but there was no need for that. The academic problems of boys may be traceable to both those causes, and perhaps several others as well."

  As a well-informed and educated society we are encouraged to form opinions on issues, and as a democracy we are entitled to share our beliefs. Combine that with the ultra-competitive reality that is today’s business world and it’s not hard to see why many are at risk to believe their instinctive reaction must be the correct one. It is usually advantageous to delay an important decision (if possible) in order to fully understand it, ask for others’ opinions, and come to a knowledgeable, well thought out conclusion.

  Be aware of falling into patterns during daily responsibilities where you are automatically choosing between two options while discounting other possible avenues, you may be denying innovation. Attempt to look at day to day activities or projects from a fresh perspective, you may find a better way of doing things. A superior leader will only gain from allowing modification of current ways, "Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower." -Steve Jobs.