Habit 4: Think Win-Win

• Most of us learn to base our self-worth on comparisons and competition. We think about succeeding in terms of someone else failing—if I win, you lose; or if you win, I lose. Life becomes a zero-sum game. We all play the game, but how much fun is it really?

• Win-win sees life as a

This habit is about seeking mutually beneficial solutions to problems.

It's about finding ways to cooperate with others so that everyone can get what they want. When you think win-win, you're more likely to build strong relationships and achieve your goals.

To be effective in organizations today, you must be able to influence people. Your title alone isn’t always enough to sway others, nor do you always have a formal position.

Having influence in the workplace has clear value : You get more done and you advance the projects you care abo...