The Myth of Compromise

About This Talk

Chris questions the common belief that we have to compromise to get along. When each side gives up something important, he says, both will eventually want it back, which is why compromises very rarely last. He offers co-creation instead and asks listeners to bring different views together to reach a higher-level outcome than any compromise could deliver.

Key Ideas

• Compromise asks each side to give up something important to them just so everyone can get along.
• Because those things still matter, people eventually want them back, which is why compromises very rarely last.
• In co-creation, people with different views merge their perspectives to reach a higher-level outcome than either could reach alone.

“We don’t need to compromise to get along. What we need to do is work together and co-create for a higher level solution.”