The 3rd Alternative

Summary

The 3rd Alternative thinking involves applying four paradigms: "I See Myself", "I See You", "I Seek You Out", and "I Synergize With You".

The first step or paradigm is about coming to know oneself. The second paradigm instructs readers to see others with the same respectfulness as they now see themselves. The 3rd Alternative, he said, explores this topic, primarily in the section covering this third paradigm, "I Seek You Out". The final and most lengthy section describes the process of arriving at synergy. It involves four steps: "Ask the 3rd Alternative Question", "Define Criteria of Success", "Create 3rd Alternatives", and "Arrive at Synergy".

Following the exposition of the process, the authors include several chapters showing how The 3rd Alternative principles have been or could be applied in situations including work, home, school, law, society, and the world. Covey finishes the book by explaining that beyond using 3rd Alternative processes, one might try to live a 3rd Alternative life. He gives his personal insights into how this is done. Covey has explained that, when engaged in a negotiation or confronted with a problem, most people are not aware that a 3rd Alternative even exists.

Reception

• Publishers Weekly
• Reuters
• The Cordoba Initiative

References

References

1. Covey, Stephen R.. (2011). "The 3rd Alternative". Free Press.
2. "Breck England: Finding the "third alternative"". Leadership Education at Duke Divinity.
3. Covey, Stephen R.. (2004). "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People". Free Press.
4. Schawbel, Dan. "Stephen R. Covey Gives You a 3rd Alternative". Forbes.
5. "The 3rd Alternative: Solving Life's Most Difficult Problems". Publishers Weekly.
6. "Stephen Covey Releases New Book: The 3rd Alternative: Solving Life's Most Difficult Problems". reuters.com.
7. "The 3rd Alternative - Book by Stephen Covey". cordobainitiative.org.