Most of us know the story of the two youngsters fighting over an orange. They both wanted it but there was just one. So, they had to compromise by each taking half.
Of course, the “crux” of the story is that – upon simple discussion afterwards – they both discovered they wanted the orange for two completely different reasons; one wanted the meat and juice of the orange to enjoy as a snack; the other needed the rind in order to complete a homework assignment. Had they only worked this out earlier, they both could have been fully satisfied instead of – at best, half-satisfied and – at worst, resentful of the other.
While this story may or may not have ever happened, many similar and far more reaching incidents happen every day. Whether in families, business, or politics, this same basic challenge is an ongoing part of life, and it often keeps us stuck in a mire of anger, frustration and resentment.
Most believe that solutions are either “give-and-take” (compromise) or “my way or your way.”
In her new book, The Triangle of Truth: The Surprisingly Simple Secret to Resolving Conflicts Large And Small, Syndicated columnist and business consultant, Lisa Earle McLeod takes those traditional models and – utilizing her trademark combination of rib-tickling humor and sharp, hard-hitting insights – stands them on their respective heads.
As the author says, “Compromise isn’t sustainable over the long haul because it requires us to water down our truths when in reality we should be bringing them together.”
The actual “Triangle of Truth” is a very effective method of problem-solving that results in peace and good feelings for all involved, rather than the dissatisfaction typically found as a by-product of the usual, ineffective methods. “Advancement of higher ground” is a good way to see McLeod’s system.
Fortune 100 Executive Coach and bestselling author, Dr. Marshall Goldsmith (What Got You Here Won’t Get You There, Mojo and more) calls this book, A paradigm shift that has the power to change everything!…{A}ncient wisdom of a twenty-first-century platform.”
I was personally honored to read this book while still in manuscript form for the purpose of providing an endorsement, and it was (and is) my pleasure to do so. I wrote:
“In this ingeniously written book, Lisa shows us how to forever do away with the ‘false dilemma,’ the unnecessary use of the word ‘or’, and instead find the best alternative. No, not compromise, not forgo your values or desires, but to step it up a notch and create a bigger pie for everyone involved. Be a peace maker; not a peacekeeper. The information in this book has the potential to raise mass consciousness and result in a better, more prosperous, and more peaceful world.”
Mainly, it’s one of those where you come away from it saying, “Oh, if only everyone would read this book.”
Well, the world being what it is, most likely not everyone will read it. The good news is, not everyone has to. Begin by reading it yourself. You’ll most likely change your world. Then you can help a lot of others change their worlds. The rest?…we’ll see what happens. 🙂
Enjoy The Triangle of Truth.
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Great post. I love Lisa Earle McLeod’s perspective on resolving conflict. I ordered a copy of it and can’t wait until it arrives.
Thank you for always sharing the best of the best with your blog readers.