The Art of Compromise 

               We have all hear the phrase “never compromise your beliefs”.  While it is true that some times there are values too important to compromise, much of the time there is room to give in our relationships with others.

 In Stephen Covey’s popular book , The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, the fourth habit is “Think Win-Win.” This is a frame of mind and heart that constantly seeks mutual benefit to all human interactions.  It assumes there is plenty of what we need to go around. When we share recognition and power, an abundance occurs.

 Each of us is challenged to compromise in virtually every area of our life at one time or another.  Even within ourselves we have to compromise; it gives us some control.  Accepting the need to compromise gives us power.  Consider for a moment the compromises the patients and families of Hospice must make daily.  When we can’t have exactly what we want, compromise offers us something we can hold on to.

1. Maintain a positive attitude toward the process of compromise. Accept that everyone has something to offer and that diversity offers opportunity to growth.
2. Get clear about your bottom line by decided what really matters – and what doesn’t.
3. share your ideas with the other parties involved.
4. Listen and then listen more to the ideas of others. Clarify the ideas.  Keep a future focus.
5. Brainstorm possibilities.
6. Look for overlap in goals and ideas.
7. Be willing to give.  Everyone needs to walk away feeling the achieved something.
8. Define the outcome and keep your end of the bargain.