Figmentations

Generally when we hear of a “win-win” solution, we probably think it refers to something good, right?  I know I did.  I didn’t realize that win-wins can actually be placed on a “scale”, ranging from “good” win-wins all the way over to ”not-so-good” win-wins.

It’s common knowledge that, often, negotiations include some degree of compromise where each party gives in on some points and as a result gets something that they value in exchange.  If the “gives” and the “gets” are perceived as comparable (and along with the big assumption that the negotiation was conducted in “good faith”), the outcome is usually considered to be a good deal.  Maybe throw in a little face-saving for good measure, too.

I think the difficulty and disappointments come when not all people involved in the negotiations are working towards the same outcome.  One example of this is in the recent deal between The Sierra Club and Clorox. As the FastCompany articles points out, the Sierra Club went from “rock throwers to deal makers.”  The ultimate intent might have been positive and honorable, as the article explains, The Sierra Club is in the tricky transitional period of wanting to “strike a balance between keeping the club members happy and reaching a much broader audience.“  Both sides achieved a benefit from the cross-advertising deal, but at what cost.  Each side is clearly using the other for advertising their messages.  So, this shows me that win-wins are relative.

I’m fairly certain that the Sierra-Clorox win-win would not be an acceptable solution for Greenpeace in the their protesting and outting of the “green-washing” of Kleenex. 

Makes one think:  when is some agreement better than no agreement?  Then again, in the case of the recent Wall Street bailout plan, some agreement does seem to be better than no agreement.  Again, it’s all relative.  Maybe the complexities of today’s issues just don’t lend themselves to simple solutions anymore.

That takes me to a new description that I recently came across for win-win. (Unfortunately, I can’t seem to find the exact reference to link to at the moment, but either way, that shouldn’t lessen the idea.)  The concept is that the best kind of win-win is when the solution benefits more than just the parties involved, i.e., that is also benefits the greater good or society as well.  Hopefully we’ll see the day when this type of win-win-win becomes a more common occurrence despite the increasing complexity of our lives, our institutions, and our global environment.