By Bob “Sully” Sullivan, Host of “THE COALITION” on NEWRADIO – FM 95.7/AM600 KOGO.
WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE BEST TACTIC FOR WINNING AN ARGUMENT? STAND YOUR GROUND OR COMPROMISE?
In the days leading up to fiscal cliff, “compromise” is the watchword.
Compromise has become a dirty word.
You know, compromise is NOT a grand American tradition. As if it is what is responsible for the greatness of America.
Is compromise what ended slavery, got women the right to vote, ended outright discrimination?
How do you compromise on moral questions?
Fiscal cliffs and budgets have become moral issues. They are a statement of priorities. They should reflect our values.
Sadly, too often, they don’t. Some of our most important triumphs have resulted from fierce determination on the part of some very courageous people - people who were not willing to yield.
But compromise simply for the sake of compromise is bad.
And compromise that is 90% capitulation is not compromise.
It’s capitulation… with a bone.
WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE BEST TACTIC FOR WINNING AN ARGUMENT? STAND YOUR GROUND OR COMPROMISE?
Pundits suggest negotiations in Washington would benefit from compromise. Bankers suggest that stuck mergers and acquisitions talks would benefit from it. Analysts suggest the same for companies whose sales are down or supply chains are in trouble. Advisers to presidents suggest the same when it comes to foreign policy.
Negotiation is not about compromise, and business and governmental leaders should stop treating it that way. Changing one's mindset from "I know I am right, and now I just need to prove to you that you are wrong" is the next step in making this transition.
How about not telling your counterpart what they should do, but replacing it with a joint conversation about what you both ought to do?!
TELL ME YOUR BEST STRATEGIES FOR WINNING AN ARGUMENT!
In the words of my Program Director here at KOGO, Cliff Albert, “When you can't agree and can't compromise....is it more important to be right or to be right with someone.
Same thing you say, right or happy?”
Giving in is hard!
Letting other person win or "be right" is not easy and not in our nature. GIDDY UP.
