It seems that everywhere we look lately, an unwillingness to
compromise is bringing progress to a halt. I think that’s because so many folks
view an individual or organization’s willingness to seek common ground as a
sign of weakness or failure. I would argue, however, that the decision to seek
compromise is actually the hallmark of strong leadership.
Think about it. Whether you are negotiating with a team
member or competitor, your decision to come to the table and work things out
signifies that you are willing to put personal feelings aside and do what is
best for your organization and your customers. Compromise offers additional
benefits as well, including building trust, gaining greater insight into
employees or competitors, the opportunity to lead by example and obtaining a
deeper understanding of the challenges you face.
And so, I encourage you to look at compromising as an
opportunity instead of a threat. Here are a couple of tips to keep in mind
while you are working to find common ground:
- Listen not to answer, but to really hear: openly listen to the other side and you will learn something invaluable
- Know your limits and those of others: come to the table knowing what you are willing to agree to and where you will draw your line in the sand
- Think of new solutions: maybe it is not either or; perhaps the answer lies in a new opportunity or solution
- Understand the consequences: make sure you have a handle on the repercussions of walking away without reaching a deal
- Keep it positive and professional: regardless of the outcome, at the end of the day your reputation and how others view you matters
The bottom line is that compromising has its advantages and
is critical to leadership success. And who knows, you might just gain more than
you give.
No comments:
Post a Comment