The 4th Covey’s habit is about interdependence, or learning to work with others. But what is interdependence about? As far as human affairs go, it is the extent to which parts of a group depend on each other. In this kind of relationship, members may be socially, economically or in other ways dependent to other parts of the group and for this kind of relation to be developed two or more people are needed as participants. As different parts value different traits, interdependence can provide a vital area of agreement. It is widely accepted that the internet has provided individuals with numerous radically cutting-edge ways of forming relationships and with that the opportunity for greater interdependence. As a result, diverse ideas evolved and matured such as startup companies that are currently in a stage of booming expansion. This relationship between interdependence and the thriving of creativity is particularly underlined in Covey’s work.
Business-wise, organizations become more and more dependent in an environment of unprecedented extroversion. Information is power, now more than ever and to obtain information, enterprises have to form relations through the social interactions among their members. But interdependence exists and among different divisions of the same organization. As every department (like customer service, research & development, human resources) relies on others in order to produce the final product or service, ties must be formed not among departments, but among the people who work on these departments. Those relations raise the level of complication inside the organization, according to Eppinger. That happens because frequent back-and-forth in information generates data overflow. There are three levels of interdependence: pooled, sequential and reciprocal. From the first to the third, the level of commitment rises, and so does the conflict among the parts involved but with the right communication channels and the application of mutual respect, the level of productivity achieved is exceptionally high.
Subsequently win-win is a form of mutually beneficial relationship. Parts of win-win do not operate competitively; instead they build common ground and create shared operational plans. The whole concept of win-win relies on the notion that a goal is not accomplished at the expense of another and that personal success does not have to be realized with the cost of another’s success. To obtain the win-win mentality, business executives as well as individuals need to concentrate in three character traits:
- Integrity, is “..regarded by many people as the honesty and truthfulness or accuracy of one's actions. Integrity can stand in opposition to hypocrisy..”or in business terms, the ability to give your word and keep it. It is closely connected with loyalty.
- Maturity, is “maturity is the ability to respond to the environment in an appropriate manner. This response is generally learned rather than instinctive. Maturity also encompasses being aware of the correct time and place to behave and knowing when to act, according to the circumstances and the culture of the society one lives in.”
- An abundance mentality is the belief that there are enough resources out there for everyone’s well-being and prosperity.
Achieving those traits will eventually lead to achieving the win-win mindset.
Bibliography
1. Covey, Stephen. Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. Free Press, 1989.
2. Eppinger. «Innovation at the speed of information.» Harvard Business Review 2001: 149-158.
3. Lucaites, John Louis, Celeste Michelle Condit και Sally Caudill. Contemporary rhetorical theory: a reader. Guilford Press, 1999. 2014 November 2014.
4. Wechsler, David. «Intellectual Development and Psychological Maturity.» Child Development 1 March 1950: 45.
