What does it mean to win, and what is the way to get there?
One tactic to achieve what you want in life is to be a bulldozer. Go into situations, establish yourself as the alpha and get what you want.
By contrast, you could be vulnerable and deeply connect with another person. This can help you develop closer relationships, build trust, and establish a strong network. A strong network and strong bonds of trust can help you go very far in life.
The more conscious you are about what tactics are effective, the more conscious you must be of how those tactics work, and the question naturally arises about integrity.
- If you know that being vulnerable and open is effective, does that make it any less genuine?
- If you understand how people’s brains are inclined to work, and use that knowledge to gain what you want, is that wrong?
Perhaps the secret is that there is some middle ground. Somewhere that you can be yourself, be grounded, be open, be vulnerable, yet still understand how to get what you want, all while keeping the other person smiling. Maybe it’s less about winning than it is creating win-win situations?
Just a thought.