The intention of “win win” is to come to a third and better alternative when presenting, collaborating and/or problem solving on an idea. Dr. Pumpian described four different interactions: Win - Lose (one is dominant, maybe forceful), Lose -Lose (both throw in the towel, a downward spiral), Lose - Win (one becomes a people pleaser, a doormat), and finally Win - Win (not your way or my way, but a better way).
This interdependence is a solution that meets and EXCEEDS both needs or parties, and I would like to think that I am pretty good at attempting to embrace the habit “win win”. This interdependence is demonstrated by relationships that compliment each other, including professional relationship where one disagrees. The best strategy that I have for maintaining a “win win” philosophy is to confront every interaction with the idea that I have something to contribute to the situation, but more importantly that there is something that I can learn from the individual I am interacting with. By taking the perspective of a life long learner I am truly able to hear the other side, disconnect emotion or biases and truly identify what is the primary purpose of the mission at hand, and how do I BEST meet the needs of the students, staff or other professionals, and problem solve effectively.
I am by no means an expert at this as some of my interactions easily fall into other categories. I do however believe that my mind set is often in the “win win” mode, and that when interacting with other professionals I am often apart of successful meaningful relationships where both parties are positively contributing to the relationship.