I got a newsletter with the title, “Win-Lose Thinking Is for Losers.” It states the real game isn’t you vs. them but you vs. who you were yesterday.
In the M&A world we talk about win-win deals. Yes, there are some in my profession, some attorneys, some accountants who think it’s about 95% for our side and 5% for the other side, but most want the deal to happen and happen fairly,
When you have the win-win attitude what you do becomes fun. I always ask business buyers, “Can you see yourself going into this business every day?” That question gave pause to one buyer who had to rethink their next steps.
The newsletter’s final point was how generous leaders always win – because they help others win first. It’s abiding by the phrase, “Give to Get” whether it’s helping employees, giving referrals without expect reciprocity, or giving back via pro-bono work or donations.
I feel fortunate that over the last two years only one of our deals was with someone who didn’t care about win-win. And a lot of that feeling came from the fact they didn’t read a contract, missed something, and had to save face.
