Think Win-Win in All Your Human Interaction

"Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a harder battle." - Plato

Thinking win-win is not about being nice, nor is it a quick-fix technique. The methodology is a character-based system that guides human interaction and collaboration.

Many of us base our self-esteem and self-worth on competition and comparison. We often assume that we are triumphant when someone else falls. That is, I win, you lose; or if you win, I lose. Life then becomes a zero-sum balance. There is only so much slices of pizza to go around. If you get more slices, I get less. It is not fair so I will make sure you don't get anymore slices. Most of us play this kind of game but how much fun is it really?

On the other hand, win-win sees life as a cooperative stage. Win-win attitude is a state of mind and heart that consistently seeks mutual benefit in all of our human interaction. The basic idea of win-win is that both parties agree on solutions that are mutually beneficial and satisfying. We both get to eat the pizza and it tastes pretty darn delicious!

An organization or a person who approaches conflicts with a win-win attitude has these 3 important character traits:

1. Integrity - Maintaining true values, commitments, and feelings.
   
2. Maturity - Expressing ideas and feelings with courage and consideration for ideas and feelings of others.
   
3. Abundance Mentality - Believing that there is plenty for everyone.

Far too many people think in terms of "either/or". Either you're nice or you're tough. Win-win requires that you be both. It is a balance of being courageous and considerate. In order to think of win-win, you not only have to be empathic but also have tremendous confidence. You not only have to be considerate and sensitive, you also have to be brave.

The balancing act of courage and consideration marks the essence of real maturity and is fundamental to win-win mentality.