Winning in No-Win Situations
No-win situations feel like running on a hamster wheel. Running faster multiplies frustration.
Three things never go away in leadership: competing priorities, limited resources, and increasing expectations.
It doesn’t matter how fast you run. You have to run faster tomorrow. You have to lay off people and still deliver results, for example.
You have choices.
How to Press Through No-Win Situations
#1 Shift Perspective
Challenges give meaning to life. Worry less about tomorrow so you can give your energy to this moment.
Redefine the win when you’re in no-win situations.
Tip: Forget the scoreboard. Turn toward the next play.
#2 Run Toward – Not Away
Define what you want. Avoid jumping out of the frying pan and into the fire.
- What direction energizes you?
- What values provide stability and guidance?
How to clarify what you want:
- Anger shows what you don’t want.
- Keep asking, “What do I want?”
- Talk about it with trusted advisors.
- Try something. We learn what we want through experience.
Action item: In one column, list your frustrations. Be specific. Use your frustrations to create a ‘do want’ list in a second column.
#3 Control What You Can
You can’t control others, so relax. Feeling helpless drains energy.
Hot emotion often means you’re trying to control the uncontrollable.
Action item: Focus on your behaviors and attitude.
#4 Reflect on Your Journey
What do you love?
Who do you want to be? What would that person do today?
What does your frustration reveal about your values?
What advice would you give someone in your shoes?
Tip: Be as compassionate and demanding with yourself as you are with others. The solutions we seek are often internal, not environmental.
What suggestions would you offer to people who feel like they’re in no-win situations?
Feeling stuck in life? A simple guide to getting back on track – BBC
