Working Up

by Dwayne Phillips

Win-win situations mean that both parties win. Great! There are, however, losers as well.

We love win-win situations. Both parties in the situation leave better than they were before. Who wouldn’t like that? The loser wouldn’t.

But both parties are better. What loser? Of course there is a “loser.” Of course there is someone standing in the room who does not “win” with the two winners. Perhaps the loser stays the same; perhaps the loser becomes worse. Nevertheless, there are others nearby who do not win with the winners.

Huh? Perhaps this happens so often that we don’t notice. The main cause is that that other person in the room isn’t as involved as the two winners. The other person’s concerns and desires are not in the conversation. Hence, that other person doesn’t “win.”

Well, “Speak up. Get involved. Get in the game. Don’t sit on the sidelines.” Of course those cliches make since, but that doesn’t mean they occur.

Involved in a win-win situation? Please take a few moments to scan the room and find other persons who are present. How will the win-win affect them? Are you interested enough to bring them along? We should be.