Compromise

A compromise involves mutual concessions by both sides during a disagreement. A compromise is characterized by each party getting less than they originally wanted in order to reach an agreement.

Compare compromise to collaboration and cooperation where two parties work together to achieve common (or overlapping) goals. In those types of arrangements, unlike in a compromise, both parties can come out ahead of where they originally were.

There are many side effects to Lean, one of which is that it often seems to put employees and managers in and “us vs. them” situation. Workers often feel like they are getting the raw end of the deal with increased productivity and the constant change. They often feel like they have to compromise, and leaders don’t.

Compromises are better than disagreements, but don’t settle for a compromise when a better arrangement is possible.