Habit 4: Think Win-Win®

The Habit of mutual benefit.

Habit 4: Think Win-Win is not a technique; it's a total philosophy and one of the six paradigms of human interaction. The other paradigms are: Win/Lose, Lose/Win, Win, and Win/Win or No Deal.

Win-Win is a frame of mind and heart that constantly seeks mutual benefit in all human interactions. It's not your way or my way, it's a better way, a higher way.

"When one side benefits more than the other, that's a win-lose situation. To the winner it might look like success for a while, but in the long run, it breeds resentment and distrust." - Dr. Stephen R. Covey

Which paradigm is best?

Most situations are part of an interdependent reality, and then Win/Win is the only viable alternative of the six paradigms of human interaction. Think of Win/Win as the bait of interpersonal leadership. Character is the foundation of Win/Win. There are three character traits essential to this paradigm:

Integrity - The value you place on yourself.
Maturity - The Balance between courage and consideration.
Abundance Mentality - The idea that there is enough for everyone.

"In the long run, if it isn't a win for both of us, we both lose. That's why win-win is the only real alternative in interdependent realities." - Dr. Stephen R. Covey

Many people think in terms of either/or: either you're nice or you're tough. Win-win requires that you be both. It is a balancing act between courage and consideration.

Watch: Green and Clean, from FranklinCovey’s All Access Pass®.

Keep every team member engaged with these 8 tips to boost collaboration and morale - powered by The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People®.

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Habit 4: Think Win-Win®

The Habit of mutual benefit.

Which paradigm is best?

Watch: Green and Clean, from FranklinCovey’s All Access Pass®.

Previous Video

Next Video

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The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People continues to be a bestseller for the simple reason that it ignores trends and focuses on timeless principles of fairness, integrity, honesty, and human dignity.

Learn how The 7 Habits®️ can drive organizational results through intentional self-awareness, self-management, responsible decision-making, and collaborative relationships.

Your habits determine your destiny. Change your habits and you'll change your destiny.

Habit 1: Be Proactive means more than taking initiative. It means we are responsible for our own lives. Our behavior is a function of our decisions, not our conditions.

In this video from The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People work session, Stephen R. Covey explains the significance of paradigms and how they affect the way we behave and the results we achieve.

You have the power and freedom to choose how you will react and feel each day.

Habit 2: Begin With the End in Mind means to start with a clear understanding of your destination and where you are now so that the steps you take are always in the right direction.

Focus your energy and attention where it counts, on the things over which you have influence. As you focus on things within your Circle of Influence, it will expand.

Our paradigms are both revealed and shaped by the words we use. If we see ourselves as powerless, it shows up in our language.

Habit 3: Put First Things First is the exercise of independent will toward becoming principle-centered. Habit 3 is the practical fulfillment of Habits 1 and 2.

Plan your week, each week, before the week begins. Doing so will allow you to put first things first and to ensure you are organizing and executing around your most important priorities.

In this video Sean Covey, Dr. Stephen Covey’s son, explains the Daily Private Victory and shares an example of how he achieved his Daily Private Victory.

Think beyond the short term and embrace your personal mission. Begin with the end in mind and visualize your 80th birthday party. Imagine that all of the people who have influenced are there.

Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood involves a deep shift in paradigm. We typically seek first to be understood. Instead, most people listen to reply.

In times of great uncertainty, leaders can freeze to the point of inaction or execute with excellence, increase trust, achieve more, and transform fear into engagement.

If life were a painting and you were the artist, what would you paint?

Habit 6: Synergize is the highest activity in all life - the true test and manifestation of all the other habits combined. Synergy catalyzes, unifies, and unleashes the greatest powers within people.

Demonstrate accountability for results and grow and develop individual skills and talents through the use of Win-Win Agreements.

Stephen M. R. Covey shares his side of the Green and Clean story.

When people with vision and purpose recycle garbage to create musical instruments, a community of children learn to perform beautiful music. Synergy is possible even when conditions are bleak.