Think Win-Win
In business and in life, we talk a
lot about winning in the context
of competition or contests—of
beating others to show we’re
better at something.
Winning means that someone
else loses. It’s a “zero sum
game.”
While a “win-lose” proposition
has its time and place, I’ve found
that most situations require a
different approach.
“Winning takes talent, to repeat
takes character.”-Coach John Wooden
Sure, winning can prove that
we’re good or even the best at
what we do. But to win in a
meaningful and lasting way, we
need to have character.
This means finding “win-win”
opportunities that rely on
cooperation and collaboration,
rather than on competition and
contests.
Stephen Covey’s fourth habit
tells us just this — to “think win-
win” by seeking mutual benefit
from our interactions.
While the first three habits are
about mastering the “private
victory” of independence, Habit
4 moves us into the realm of
“public victories” or
interdependence.
It’s about developing effective
interpersonal leadership, which
is fundamental to all successful
relationships.
Covey, like Coach Wooden,
says that character is the
foundation of winning. People
and organizations with a “win-
win” attitude have three key
traits…
Integrity: Sticking with their true feelings,
values and commitments.
Maturity: Expressing their ideas and feelings
with courage and consideration for others’
ideas and feelings.
Abundance Mentality: Believing there’s
plenty for everyone.
By practicing Habit 4, we can be
true winners who work
cooperatively with others to
achieve mutual solutions,
satisfaction and success.
In situations where we can’t
achieve a “win-win,” we must
have the integrity, maturity and
conviction — the character — to
walk away agreeably without
burning bridges.
“Win-win” or no deals, rather
than “win-lose” or “lose-lose”
deals, are the best ways to be
effective in our lives, work and
most valued relationships.
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