Day 216

 The 3rd Alternative: Solving Life's Most Difficult Problems 

 Stephen Covey.

The 3rd Alternative principles  could be applied in situations including work, home, school, law, society, and  world at large. The book gives details and real-world examples and ends with explaining that the 3rd Alternative is "a way of life". Covey  gives his personal insights into how this could be done.

·       The book focuses on a process of conflict resolution that is distinct from compromise.

·        In any conflict, the first alternative is my way and the second alternative is your way.

·       The 3^rd alternative transcends traditional solutions to conflict by forging a path  which allows both parties to emerge from debate or even heated conflicts, in far better place than either had thought off.

There are many methods of conflict resolution but most involve compromise, a low level accommodation that stops the fight without breaking through to  new results.

·       With third alternative, nobody has to give up anything and everyone wins. This is significant.

·       We see around mostly a win-lose approach to a debate. Like in a game one has to necessarily emerge as a winner.

·         Naturally the other sulks and does not  co-operate to the desired extent.

The  3rd Alternative thinking involves applying four paradigms: "I See Myself", "I See You", "I Seek You Out", and "I Synergize With You”. 

• The first step or paradigm is about coming to know oneself. 
• The second paradigm instructs readers to see others with the same respectfulness as they now see themselves.
•  The next step is to understand others and their views. 
• The final  describes the process of arriving at synergy to arrive at  our way while settling issues.

·       Readers’ attention is specially invited to Talking Stick tradition covered in chapter 2, which is very relevant in office situations.

·       The talking stick is a symbol of communication in native American tradition.

·        So long as the speaker holds the stick in hand  no one may interrupt  until the speaker feels heard and understood.

·       Contrast in live situations today where interruptions’ galore as people are so impatient to offer their views.

Covey has observed very correctly that when engaged in a negotiation or confronted with a problem, most people aren't aware that a 3rd Alternative even exists. 

• They are so bent on either my way or highway attitude, only problems will remain. 
• The book is a must read for all, whatever be the station in life . Coming from an author who was a mentor to many heads of nations for decades, the contents will be of great value to readers

The book is specially recommended to

• Faculty members
• HR heads
• Customer service personnel
• Newly married
• CEOs 
• Senior Citizens
• Highly recommended for reading to one and all.

 वन्दे मातरम्

   ॐ शान्ति: 

7 40 AM