Seven Habits of Highly Effective People – Think Win-Win

Seven Habits of Highly Effective People Series Week 4: Think Win-Win

 

Church family,

We’re still going through The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People with the Moore Public Schools. These are beneficial not only to us as individuals but also to us as a church.

 

The fourth habit in Stephen Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People is Think Win-Win. The idea behind this principle is that we must think not only about our own success but also about others’. This is why these principles are so applicable to us as a church … it’s not just about us, but also the group. This is about building trust and mutual relationships.

 

Covey talks about many types of situations. Win-lose is when I get ahead at your expense. Win is when I could care less about you; I just want to get ahead. Lose-lose is when I forfeit getting ahead just to make sure you don’t either (think revenge).

 

Of course, the ideal situation is win-win. We compromise and work together so that we can all get ahead. This is how government should run. Good luck with that! This win-win approach takes more work, time, and personal sacrifice. However, it is so worth it when we can all win in whatever situation we find ourselves in.

 

In a win-win, both parties (or all) must reach an agreement that benefits everyone. Here is an example I read. The Outreach Team wants to start a new ministry to students in local schools. They are excited to serve the schools in this manner. However, other people in church are worried about the expense that this will create. So, a win-win is starting a smaller pilot program. This gives the Outreach Team a win because they can minister to more people. It also takes into consideration the people who are worried about finances.

 

Think of win-win as a fancy way of working towards compromise. When we all get ahead, our church is better off for it.