We take a look at integrative thinking, a problem-solving theory that MPI Institute director Roger Martin conceived about a dozen years ago. He’s written two books on the subject, 2007’s The Opposable Mind, and the just-released Creating Great Choices, co-authored by Jennifer Riel.

Put simply, integrative thinking is a technique through which two opposing ideas are “resolved” by taking the best elements of each to create a new, better idea. The theory was born out of Roger’s quest to get inside the heads of highly successful business leaders like Jack Welch and AG Lafley. But integrative thinking isn’t some business-speak laden theory reserved for managers. Rather, its premise can be applied to almost any situation, from the halls of government to elementary school classrooms.