How to go from lose-lose to win-win?

Reflection for Friday of the 31st Week of Ordinary Time

And the master commended that dishonest steward for acting prudently.
For the children of this world are more prudent in dealing with their own generation
than the children of light.

In Stephen Covey’s popular book, “Seven Habits of Highly Effective People”, the Fourth Habit – Think Win-Win – is nicely illustrated in the gospel of the dishonest steward (Lk 16:1-8).  Covey explains that Win-Win is a “frame of mind and heart that constantly seeks mutual benefit in all human interactions.”  (see Covey, Win-Win)

The parable opens with the dishonest steward about to lose his job.  The master in turn was about to lose respect in the community.  For both the master and the steward, it’s Lose-Lose. 

The dishonest steward then reduced the debt of the master’s debtors and earned the favor of the debtors.  In the process, the master’s reputation for magnanimity has also grown.  It’s a Win-Win.  If you figure in the debtors, it’s a Win-Win-Win.  They went from having to pay the price for the steward’s embezzlement to a windfall.  

As Covey says, with Win-Win, “it’s not your way or my way, it’s a better way, a higher way.”  God is the God of finding the Win-Win in all situations.  God desires us to do the same.


Prayer

Eternal Word, only begotten Son of God,
Teach me true generosity.
Teach me to serve you as you deserve.
To give without counting the cost,
To fight heedless of wounds,
To labor without seeking rest,
To sacrifice myself without thought of any reward
Save the knowledge that I have done your will.
Amen.

 Saint Ignatius of Loyola, Prayer for Generosity


Post note: The above reflection was posted in the Daily Inspiration from JesuitPrayer.org for the 31th Friday of Ordinary Time. To subscribe, visit Subscription Update (jesuitprayer.org).