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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”?

Read more...
Podcasts & Video

Find podcasts and video clips related to The Compromise Trap or other aspects of making your mission real.

Elizabeth Doty at The Commonwealth Club of California, 4/13/11

1. Why Talk about Compromise at Work?

2. When Healthy Compromise Becomes Unhealthy

3. How "Playing the Game" Can Go Wrong

4. The New Leadership Mindset

5. Ten Misconceptions About Compromise

6. We All Think We Are the Good Guys

7. The Downward Spiral toward Compromise

8. Can We Create an Upward Spiral?

 

 

 

 

 

VIDEO: Intro to The Compromise Trap

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PODCAST: Elizabeth Doty speaks at the Commonwealth Club of California

On April 13, 2011, Elizabeth spoke to the club's Business and Leadership Forum on The New Leadership Mindset: 10 Misconceptions About Compromise at Work and How to Spark an Epidemic of Integrity. In this podcast, Elizabeth and the audience explore the common psychological patterns that lead professionals down the “slippery slope” of unhealthy compromise -- causing the financial crisis, catastrophes such as Deepwater Horizon and TEPCO – and what we can do to reverse this trend.  (4/13/11)

Most useful for: Leaders, professionals, civic organizations

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VIDEO: A Few Quick Thoughts on the Upward Spiral

A 5-minute video that explains some of the research behind downward and upward spirals, and gives examples of upward spiral behavior.

Most useful for: Leaders, professionals, coaches

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PODCAST: Interview with Employee Engagement Expert Zane Safrit on The Compromise Trap

Elizabeth speaks with employee engagement expert and interviewer extraordinaire, Zane Safrit about how we get into the compromise trap, the effect of power on ethics, and what Elizabeth would say to President Obama if he asked for help! Listen to the interview. Read the transcript. (2/2/11)

Most useful for: Leaders, HR staff, professionals

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PODCAST: Interview on Netspeed Learning's Fast Tracks

In this 12-minute audio conversation with Dan Kennedy, Elizabeth Doty outlines the difference between healthy and unhealthy compromise, the Six Personal Foundations that prevent you from falling into the compromise trap, and the Five Positive Plays you can take in any compromise situation. (12/24/09)

Most useful for: Professionals, coaches

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PODCAST: Good and Green Radio Interview

Susan Davis, the host of Good and Green Radio, conducted an interview with Elizabeth Doty on her book, The Compromise Trap. The discussion talked about the subject of healthy and unhealthy compromise, and the difficulty and challenges that arise in the workplace when an individual tries to remain true to their integrity and values, while being a successful part of an organization when sometimes demands may challenge those personal values. Hear the interview live by visiting, Good and Green Radio online.

Most useful for: Innovators, social entrepreneurs

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PODCAST: VisionHolder Interview with the Heartland Circle Community

In this month's VisionHolder Call, Heartland Circle founder Craig Neal, Elizabeth Doty, and the Heartland Circle community enjoyed a reflective, exploratory conversation on the tensions between who we are as people and who we feel we need to be to succeed at work. According to Craig, "The topic of unhealthy compromise at work is VERY important to the transformation of our organizations and the people who care about them." Listen to the interview or read Craig's summary.

Most useful for: Innovators, leaders, coaches

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PODCAST: Featured Author Talk for Hudson Institute Alumni

Many of the professional coaches who joined this thought-provoking conversation hosted by the respected Hudson Institute of Santa Barbara described clients who were struggling to retain a sense of inner-direction, purpose, and integrity amidst the gravitational pull of organizational life -- and found the concept of "redefining the game" a promising model to take forward in their coaching practices. Listen to the interview. (1/18/10)

Most useful for: Coaches

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PODCAST: Lively Book Club Interview with Susan Stamm of Bookends

Susan Stamm of Book Ends discussion group and Elizabeth Doty have a lively conversation about what redefining the game looks like in practice and how each of the personal foundations makes a difference. Listen to the full podcast...

Most useful for: Professionals, coaches

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PODCAST: Interview with Wayne Hurlbert on Blog Business Success

Host Wayne Hurlbert and Elizabeth Doty speak live about how good people can fall incrementally into unhealthy compromise, even while working for organizations and leaders they believe in -- and how to "redefine the game" to increase your ability to make the right choice. Listen to the interview or read Wayne's review. (2/2/10)

Most useful for: Leaders, professionals

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PODCAST: Interview with Michael Jetter on On Your Business

Elizabeth Doty and On Your Business' host Michael Jetter explore the typical pressures facing business owners, why professionals fall into making unhealthy compromises, the long-term costs, andhow redefining the game opens up new options -- especially in tough economic times. Listen to the interview.

Most useful for: Entrepreneurs

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PODCAST: Jazz and Conversation -- Late Nite with Allan Holender

In an informal conversation spiced up with recordings from Frank Sinatra and Etta James, Elizabeth Doty and Allan Holender discuss the challenges of organizational integrity, what to do if you're "mad" at your organization, and six practical ways to build the courage to live your values regardless of the situation. (11/19/09)

Most useful for: Professionals, coaches

Please This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it if you have suggestions for podcast topics – or would like a customized series for your team or organization.

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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?