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| In his book The 7 Habits, Stephen R. Covey puts #4: Think Win-Win |
“There’s plenty
out there and enough to spare for everybody. An Abundance Mentality involves
sharing prestige, recognition, profits, and decision making. It opens
possibilities, options, alternatives, and creativity”
(Stephen R. Covey).
In most dispute
– whether a minor argument or a major relational conflict – it is possible to
find a solution that benefits both sides. When I set out to fight and defeat my
opponent, I end up expending a great deal of energy and resources on destroying
rather than on creating maximum value. Moreover, entering a dispute with a
win-lose approach often leads to a similar approach being adopted by the other
party. As a result, both of us may end up losing.
When I show
goodwill and a desire to help, I invite similar behaviour from the other. When
we put our joint resources, our mind and heart, to the task of increasing the
benefits to the individual and the group, we stand a better chance of success –
for all who are involved. The pleasure
of winning when the other side loses is short-lived; the joy of a win-win
outcome lasts a great deal longer, and often creates the basis for yet another
round of positive experiences.
The next time
you (and I have to remind myself very strongly because I’m naturally a very
competitive person) interact with someone, whether the context is a cooperative
or a ministerial or a competitive one, think about how you can both benefit,
how you can both win.
Don’t focus on defeating the other
Seek the win-win
Lord,
Give Us Today Our Daily Idea(s)
References:
1. Choose the Life You Want: 101 Ways to Create
You Own Road to Happiness by Tal Ben-Shahar, PhD (New York: The Experiment,
2012) Buy this book!
2. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by
Stephen R. Covey (New York: Free Press, 2004)
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