Beware of compromise as primary strategy
We continue our study regarding the correct value and place of compromise in our conflicts. Compromise that does not work out makes the next round more difficult we have less confidence in each other, in the process, in viable solutions, and maybe even in ourselves.
We become complacent. We would rather have a quick, nasty solution than no solution at all.
We rush to a perceived solution and we trade long-term interests for short-term gains.
While compromise has its role in our conflicts, and sharing is caring, a compromise must never be a primary strategy, especially for a businessperson.
Conflict, correctly understood and applied, is a creative energy, a stimulus for new thought and new creative solutions, for clarity, for a renewal of trust, of processes, of abilities and potential.
The obvious, tried and tested converse of compromise, a strategy well-beloved in certain parts of the South African business world, is the aggressive and tough fighter type of conflict behaviour, and this has its equal (if not worse) downside and drawbacks, and is as outdated and potentially harmful a conflict strategy as compromise is.
This philosophy generally, and certainly in the long-term, leads to harm to, or destruction of, business and other relationships, a decrease in necessary trust levels, and as research shows us incontrovertibly, also an overall decrease in all of the important business parameters.
What should our approach to conflict and compromise then be as businesspeople?
An above-average understanding of conflict, its buttons and levers, its potential and dangers, should be our first stop.
Conflict studies across a multidisciplinary field involving conflict resolution, psychology, neurobiology, social science and other things, have left us with such a rich body of practical understanding of conflict and how to manage it effectively that it is becoming increasingly difficult for senior management not to have a comprehensive grounding in conflict management.
Next week we conclude our assessment of compromise in our conflicts.