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Reading The Compromise Trap has helped me move from a mindset focused on being “right” to one focused on being “effective.”  I have gained greater clarity of purpose through deep reflection on what - for me - constitutes a “worthy enough win” (serving patients), which has been invaluable in transcending the ego-based, often antagonistic interactions of the past. The book has helped me discover a more cooperative, constructive way forward in my relationships with peers and superiors.
Jeff Venable, RPSGT – Health Care Professional

The Compromise Trap

The Compromise TrapStay true to yourself and be a positive force at work.

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What Is An Upward Spiral?

 

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Spiral Staircase

“Yours is the voice that can help ignite the contagious upward spiral of confidence that our country desperately needs.”– Howard Schultz, CEO of Starbucks, Letter to America, Sept 2011

In September, Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz called business leaders and fellow citizens to help turn the tide of uncertainty that has such a grip on our country.  “We must be catalysts for change… waiting for Washington to act is not a plan of action,” he says. Next week, he will be honored as the Fortune Business Person of the Year.

Why is the CEO of a major public corporation asking everyday citizens to help shift the country’s cultural climate? And what does he mean by an “upward spiral”?

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Decision-point Tools
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Practical how-tos and simple frameworks to help you bring your mission into day to day action.

Click on the icon to the left of each item to open a .pdf file with the tool and instructions on how to use it. Right-click over the icon and choose "Save Link As..." to download a file.

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Decision-Point Tools from The Compromise Trap

Six tools to help you sort out healthy and unhealthy compromise under pressure, including Activating Your Strengths in the Moment, Questioning the Deal, Finding Your Worthy Enough Win, Tapping Your Allies in a Crisis, Which Positive Play?, and a Mini After-action Review.
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Employee Engagement Opportunity Scan

An overview of WorkLore's new process for identifying where compromise may be inadvertently undermining engagement AND results.
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Loyalties Worksheet

Uncover the loyalties that may lead you to balk at change.... so you can honor them and use them to contribute.
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Six Personal Foundations

Six practical ways to build the courage, perspective, and skills you need to stay true to yourself and contribute to your organization's effectiveness and integrity.

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Should I Stay or Should I Go?

Five simple questions to help you determine whether your current setting will allow you to meet your goals and thrive.

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Ten Misconceptions about Compromise

A quick refresher to help you stay truer to yourself, understand others’ behavior and help keep your organization on track.
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Five Positive Plays

A quick reminder of the five constructive actions you can take in any situation, even in the face of unhealthy pressure to compromise.
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Storyline Worksheet

Craft persuasive arguments and invite candid conversation with employees, peers, and executives (Inspired by Barbara Minto, The Minto Pyramid Principle)
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Map Your Critical Path to a Goal

A simplified approach for identifying what to do "Monday morning" to move along the shortest path to your goal. (Based on the work of Barbara Sher, "Wishcraft")
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Three Ingredients for Team Synergy

Critical elements in achieving team synergy, where the team’s performance is greater than the sum of the individual parts.
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Seven Uses of Story in Organizations

The seven primary applications of story in organizations, based on current practice.
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"Grand Narrative" Worksheet

Analyze how the foundational assumptions are changing in your field, and craft your leadership story to help mobilize energy for change.

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Spiral StaircaseWhat Is an Upward Spiral?

Howard Schultz calls us to ignite an upward spiral of confidence to get the economy moving again.

What does he mean?