Feb 8, 2012

The 3rd Alternative: Worth a Shot

In his new book, "The 3rd Alternative", Stephen Covey explains the paradigms and processes necessary for resolving conflict. 

Being involved in a lawsuit at this time, I'll admit being a bit skeptical about the probability of success.  I suppose my skepticism is already part of a flawed paradigm.  So, why even try?

There's a saying that goes, "you can't make a good deal with a bad partner."  I would agree.


Another one of Covey's principles from 7 Habits which I fully believe is that it takes 2 independent people to be in an interdependent relationship.  If you're dealing with a fragmented person, which frankly is what we're dealing with here - how do you create a 3rd alternative solution - a win-win solution - an interdependent solution - with a fragmented and shifty person?

The evidence, the law, the contracts, - everything is in our favor on this case.  We have a right to claim what's due under the demands of just laws and binding contracts.


But, the whole premise behind the 3rd Alternative mindset is that there is in fact a 3rd alternative out there somewhere that's better for both parties, so long as the 2 opposing parties work together to try to create this 3rd Alternative.

And so, I figured it's worth a shot.

I called and left a message to the defendant in the case, basically stating the following script as outlined in the book:

"Hi ________, this is Brig.  Hey I've been thinking about this book I've been reading called The 3rd Alternative, and I wanted to see if you would be interested in sitting down and discussing a possible solution that's better than either one of could have come up with on our own.  The premise behind this book is that there is in fact some 3rd alternative solution out there that's actually better for both of us.  I'm not sure what it will look like, and I frankly don't have any ideas just yet.  But rather than beating our heads against one another, perhaps we can think of something together that would give us what we both want.  I want to see you and the company succeed.  I also feel I've been wronged and that our case is pretty solid in that we're owed what was agreed upon and we're entitled to be paid.  But I'm willing to give this a shot if you're interested in having a discussion.  If you're more comfortable having your attorney present, that's fine too.  If you're interested, you have my number.  I look forward to hopefully connecting with you and talking soon."

I haven't heard anything back, but I'm hopeful we can at least make the attempt.

Should anything come of it, good or bad, I'll be sure to keep you updated.

Feb 6, 2012

Top 15 Quotes from Ronald Reagan

Today is Ronald Reagan's birthday.  If he were alive today, he'd be 101.  To remember him and his legacy, I've listed some of my favorite quotes below.

1. All great change in America begins at the dinner table.

2. Concentrated power has always been the enemy of liberty

3. Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.

4. Freedom prospers when religion is vibrant and the rule of law under God is acknowledged

5. Government exists to protect us from each other. Where government has gone beyond its limits is in deciding to protect us from ourselves.

6. Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it.

7. If we ever forget that we are One Nation Under God, then we will be a nation gone under.

8. If we love our country, we should also love our countrymen.

9. Inflation is as violent as a mugger, as frightening as an armed robber and as deadly as a hit man.

10. It has been said that politics is the second oldest profession. I have learned that it bears a striking resemblance to the first.

11. People do not make wars; governments do.

12. Republicans believe every day is the Fourth of July, but the democrats believe every day is April 15

13. Surround yourself with the best people you can find, delegate authority, and don't interfere as long as the policy you've decided upon is being carried out.

14. There are no easy answers' but there are simple answers. We must have the courage to do what we know is morally right.

15. When you can't make them see the light, make them feel the heat.



In a time when men's hearts are failing them, and the cause of freedom seems but a faint wisper from yesteryears, our hearts long for the time when men like Reagan stood firm, upholding and defending the principles of our founding fathers.

We miss you, Ronald Reagan!