According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary the word compromise means “settlement of differences by consent reached by mutual concessions.” Yet that word tends to have a negative connotation to it.
We compromise in our relationships almost daily. This is a positive form of compromising. In order to have a successful relationship or marriage, one of the key points in a relationship, and parenting for that matter, is being willing and able to compromise. Only then can a married couple and the family move forward as a unit. In the professional world, as leaders, we have to compromise on a daily basis in order for us as individuals and the organization to excel and move to the next level. You can’t have the “my way or the highway” mentality and expect to succeed in the personal and the professional life.
There is also a negative form of compromising that I believe gives this word it’s undesirable connotation. This is the one that gets us in trouble and sometimes inhibits us from moving forward. When we begin to compromise our principles, our beliefs, and even our faith for various reasons such as, just to make others happy, or make them like us, we begin to compromise our character and our self-worth, or even worse, we devalue ourselves and value others more. We fear being excluded or singled out so we begin to justify our compromising to put ourselves at ease and then we walk away wishing differently. Be selective, every time you are faced with a decision that requires compromising, think it through and assess what’s on the line before giving in. Nothing is worth jeopardizing your principles and your character.
