Making high-quality decisions happens every day. From micro to macro decisions, there are literally hundreds made between getting out of and getting back into bed. Some decisions don’t require any consensus from others, and some do. It’s unreasonable to think that all decisions can be made without anyone else factoring in or that you’ll always have consensus from others. Sometimes you’ve got to compromise.
There are quite a few ways to compromise or sway others to your side of the decision. Some are healthy and some not-so-much. Unhealthy compromise includes manipulations like:
- Pouting
- Arguing
- Passive aggression
- Lying
- And more
These tactics work but aren’t really effective for maintaining genuine relationships. It is far better to find healthier ways to compromise.
Here are some high-quality and healthy ways to compromise:
- Offer a trade off
- Be honest
- Be direct
Give a little and take a little: Sometimes the best compromise includes a sacrifice and stake in the ground. Offering a trade-off can be a win-win for everyone. An example might be switching off making date night plans. One date, you pick the entertainment and refreshment and the next, your partner does. By offering to trade off, you can ensure that 50% of the time you will thoroughly enjoy every aspect of the date. It also feels good to indulge others in what they love, too. That’s a win-win.
Don’t hide your feelings: Being honest about your feelings can help you with compromise. If someone thoroughly understands your perspective, they likely will meet you in the middle. The key is to be genuine, humble, and not manipulate the situation. You can be honest without using guilt, shame, or coercion. People respect honesty when it’s delivered with sincerity.
Be upfront with your thoughts: Being upfront without hiding your agenda can help you reach compromise quickly. People are not mind readers; be upfront with your thoughts and honest with your feelings. Getting to the point and not making people jump through hoops will help you reach resolution faster and easier.
Sometimes decisions must be made collectively. If you can’t make the decisions on your own, it’s great to be able to compromise in a healthy way. Follow these steps to reach a health compromise that is a win-win quickly and easily.
