In The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Stephen Covey defines Win/Win as “a frame of mind and heart that constantly seeks mutual benefit in all human interactions.” Win/Win means that agreements or solutions are mutually beneficial and mutually satisfying; all parties feel good about the decision and feel committed to the action plan. People who practice Win/Win see life as a cooperative, not competitive, arena. “Win/Win is based on the paradigm that there is plenty for everybody, that one person’s success is not achieved at the expense or exclusion of the success of others” (207).

Win/Win is a belief that everyone can win. It’s both nice and tough all at once. I won’t step on you, but I won’t be your doormat either. You care about other people, and you want them to succeed. But you also care about yourself, and you want to succeed as well. Win/Win is abundant. It is the belief that there’s plenty of success to go around. It’s not either you or me. It’s both of us. It’s not a matter of who gets the biggest piece of pie. There’s more than enough food for everyone. It’s an all-you-can-eat buffet (Sean Covey 152).

Both educators’ and learners’ needs are important. One does not have to override the other. Educators and learners can work together to find solutions that are satisfying to both. Educators must take the lead in demonstrating positivity, respect, and fairness in a constant manner that will model Win/Win. “Most of life is an interdependent, not an independent, reality. Most results you want depend on cooperation between you and others. The Win/Lose mentality is dysfunctional to that cooperation” (Covey 209).

Win/Win does not mean learners always get their way. That is Lose/Win; the educator loses, the learner wins. Win/Win means people must continue to communicate until they find a solution with which all parties are satisfied. As learners approach an assignment or project, educators need to outline specific objectives, guidelines, desired outcomes, possible consequences, and resources to be used. Within the given parameters, students take the responsibility to pursue their goals. This can be highly motivating.