Are You a Win-Win Leader?

Leadership is such a hot topic these days.  I notice that it still means different things to different people.  It manifests in unique and authentic ways for each individual.  It can be seen at all levels of an organization and even outside of traditional corporate settings.

In all of these variances, there is at least one thing that should be consistent.  We should always be intentionally seeking a WIN-WIN scenario.  I don’t consistently see this, though…do you?

I see leaders interested in a WIN for themselves or for their organization.  They want the best deals from their vendors, even if it doesn’t equate to a good partnership or smart business for those “partners.”  They want long hours and multiple jobs performed by each employee, even when their employees are over-worked and under-appreciated.  They look for service and benefits from everyone else, without considering how they can make a contribution in return.

Likewise, I see generous and selfless leaders that are more interested in giving than receiving.  Often times, they’re so focused on others that they can neglect themselves and their own needs, and sometimes even their organizational goals.  They might serve to their own detriment. 

Don’t get me wrong, I’m a fan of servant leadership, and I believe firmly in the value of giving to others…including times when the giver doesn’t benefit at all (other than from the wonderful effects of giving!)  I would like to suggest, however, that our first goal should always be to seek the WIN-WIN.  Yes, I do believe there are times when we can all walk away winners!

It seems to me that not enough leaders are starting out with this as their first and foremost goal…and it should be (because I think there are more out there to be had!)  Your employees and vendors should truly be winning partners in your efforts.  You can serve their needs and get value as well.  It doesn’t make you a bad person or a bad leader.  In fact, if you can accomplish WINS across the board, I’d say you’re a pretty fantastic leader!

So, how can you set your sights on the WIN-WIN?  Consider these three steps and a simple acronym:

What does the ideal state look like?  This is the question you should always ask, instead of just following suit and doing things the way they’ve always been done.  Look at each new situation and think outside of the box when considering solutions.  While status quo is the easiest scenario, it’s often not the best one.  Consider what would create a winning scenario for each of the players involved and see if that can be accomplished.  Who cares if it hasn’t been done before?!  The question is can it be done? When your goal is the best-case scenario, and that scenario is focused on providing value to each of the parties involved, you just might find that you get there.

Include others’ needs in your goal.  It’s not just about you.  You must consider the needs and goals of others as well.  How can you accomplish what you need while providing for one of their needs at the same time?  This is what partnership and teamwork look like.  You must work together toward a common goal.  How can you encourage higher levels of engagement and partnership, so that in the end all parties are motivated to get results?  What do they need to accomplish in addition to you?  Make sure you understand that clearly.

Never be too stubborn to compromise.  (That’s spoiled four-year old behavior!)  Prioritize your needs and goals and decide what’s most important to you.  What’s a must-have versus a nice-to-have?  Be ready to consider what you may have to sacrifice in order to achieve the larger WIN.  If you’re clear on your goals and their rank order, you might see that certain sacrifices are well worth their price to achieve something you value much more.  It makes the negotiating effort worth it and the celebration a great WIN for all!

If you sought the WIN-WIN in every situation, would anything be different?  What if your organization created a WIN-WIN culture?  What would need to change and how might this new organization be different?

Erin Schreyer is a certified Leadership Coach and Strengths Trainer.  She is President of Sagestone Partners and Founder of the non-profit organization, Authentic Leadership Cincinnati.  Connect with Erin via Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn or email.