I've been thinking a lot recently about the Seven Habits of Highly Successful People as I work with the new summer interns here. The Seven Habits are well worn and time-tested at this point, with the book having been published by Stephen Covey back in 1989. 23 years really isn't all that long, but the rate of adoption in American business has been so huge that it feels like a much longer time frame. If you have not read it, it is highly recommended if for no other reason than the fact that most of your colleagues have. Reading and understanding this book can create a common language between you, your co-workers, and your partners. You'll also find out about the quality of the content and hopefully learn a thing or two about the seven habits.
The "4th Habit" in the book is "Think Win-Win." The point of the habit is to always be considering what is in it for the other party. Don't constantly be "looking out for number one" and only thinking about how you can be personally victorious.
Only thinking about one win (your own) is one of the habits of highly selfish and short-sighted people.
I'd like to re-frame this habit just a bit today. I'd like to think of it in the partnering concept so that we start to think about win-win-win. What I mean is, what is in it for you, your partner, and your customer.
