Compromise, it's for grown ups

So I picked up yesterday’s Tennessean, and the headline, “Obama bows to Boehner on jobs speech” jumps off the page. Really? That’s what it’s become now: You didn’t compromise, you caved in.

Both sides contend differing points about how this whole jobs speech/GOP debate was supposed to go down. But in the end does anyone really come out ahead? What we really learn from this – another in a long line of examples – is that the two parties can’t agree on anything. And it really appears as though they look for points of contention just to keep the animus in full bloom.

The other big headline was for a story updating the breathless masses on the latest development in Titans running back Chris Johnson’s contract negotiations. This is another situation where compromise undoubtedly advanced the development of progress. Johnson, offensive tweets notwithstanding, is the uber-talented running back who has demanded to be paid as a “play maker” rather than within the confines of his position.

On Thursday, Johnson signed his new deal, a four year extension that puts the total value of his six-year deal at $53.5 million. Now that may seem like he “won,” but the Titans would probably argue that they won as well. They did retain one of the NFL’s marquee players for at least the next three years (yeah, that’s the true length of the deal – the six years is window dressing).

It’s really unfortunate that when you compromise nowadays, you have no backbone. When you change your mind, you’re a waffler. What if you got new/better information than you had before? Tough. You’re supposed to stand your ground.

The truth of the matter is that productive relationships of any kind are built on the ability to compromise, and to learn from each other. I know; I’ve been married for 22 years. I’ve compromised and I’ve learned a ton too.

Workplace relationships are no different. You have to be willing to compromise from time to time, and be open to new ideas and information. Enhance your workplace relationships by keeping an open mind. Be willing to compromise, and to accept the validity of other opinions.

That’s how we really get better with age.