Commit to Compromise

"I have found no greater satisfaction than achieving success through honest dealing and strict adherence to the view that, for you to gain, those you deal with should gain as well."

Alan Greenspan, Retired Chairman,Federal Reserve Board


A good leader understands the value of compromise. Knowing when to yield and when to push is an art and learned skill which every corporate leader should master. In the words of Edmund Burke, “Every prudent act is founded on compromise.”

Remember that a compromise usually requires each party to gain a little and give a little in the interest of reaching a solution. The best leaders know how to compromise without caving or making the other party feel as if it has completely caved—even if that is the case.

Compromise is especially important when it comes to your employees and workers. It does not suggest weakness, but strength. When you indicate a willingness to allow another viewpoint, another approach, another position, you have built a better and more inclusive process.

As in politics, corporate hard-liners rarely survive. There is much progress to be made in the middle ground. Use this principle to bolster your own position and propel your company to the lead. Finally, compromise does not have to be the last-minute effort reached after days, weeks, months of strenuous negotiations. Stating up front what you’re willing to compromise on is a great, counter-intuitive position to take.

(c) Adonis E. Hoffman, 2008