There are many "conflict resolution" approaches, but most of them involve compromise, low-level conditioning that stops combat without breaking new ground. The third alternative offers a breakthrough approach to conflict resolution and creative problem solving, bypassing traditional conflict resolutions by making a path toward a third option. There is a third alternative that transcends my path or my way to a higher and better way - one that allows both parties to emerge from an argument or even a heated conflict in a much better place than either of them had imagined. With the third alternative, no one has to give up anything, and everyone wins.
Through key examples and stories from his work as a counselor, Covey demonstrates the power of third alternative thinking. His wide-ranging examples include the Canadian Capital Police force transforming a crime-ridden community; The judge who brought a quick and peaceful end to one of the largest environmental lawsuits in American history without ever setting foot in a courtroom; High school principal for children of migrant workers who raised their graduation rate from 30% to 90%; a handful of unknown people who are quietly finding new ways to bring peace to the Middle East; And many other things. These diverse groups and individuals provide vivid examples of how to create new and better outcomes rather than escalating conflict, as well as how to build strong relationships based on a win-win situation together.
