Vlog Episode 8.6 - There's Always a Win-win Solution

If you view the universe as a limited place with only so much in it, then for you to get more, someone else has to get less. That creates the mindset of win-lose solutions. But if you’ve been following this series of Goldratt’s aphorisms, you’ll know that every situation is capable of improvement, every scarcity is capable of solution. The world isn’t a world of scarcity, it’s a world of plenty. Because of that, there’s no need for anyone to lose. There’s always a win-win solution.

But forget that goody-two-shoes sort of stuff. Let’s say I’m wrong about that. Even then you should only seek win-win solutions. Why? Because it’s better for you.

When a win-lose happens, even when you’re the winner, you create a loser. Does that loser sulk off to the corner never to be heard from again? Not usually. Usually, they go off to plot how to get theirs back. Sure, you won, but you created the next fight. You can defend against it, but to do that you have to tie up energy you could have used to improve your situation. By creating drama and conflict, you tie up your resources and stop yourself from growing.

In win-lose scenarios, even if you win, you lose. It’s better to create a win-win solution, and, as TOC shows us, there’s always a way to get there.

By this time, even if you started by thinking that ending addiction as a problem in American life in our lifetime was impossible, you’re starting to see that every problem can be solved. Every situation can be improved. Everyone can reach a full life, and there’s always a win-win solution. That thing we thought was impossible, to end addiction as a problem, maybe can be done. We’ll start on that solution in the next episode.