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Coercion or Agreement?

By Bamboo In The Wind

Sometimes coercion is used to get things done. Coercion thrives on getting things done by force and threats. We think the position of authority requires us to ensure results at any cost. Coercion is a way to get results but perhaps not the best way to lead anything.

Beware of using coercive methods to get meaningful work done! Coercion has the side effect of creating an environment of mistrust, discontent, or deceit.

Can emotional outbursts be used as a coercive practice to get your way? It seems that emotional outbursts are often based on self-interest. Inflicting pain on self can mean others give in to their positions.

Coercion always leaves a bad taste. There is a place for Coercion when someone is unwilling to listen to facts about extreme situations that can adversely affect others.

In all other places, Coercion has no place. It is best replaced by Agreement. Agreements are influential. It reflects adequate inclusion of opinions and inputs. It shows everyone is taken into confidence. It builds consensus.

Coercion starts with an assumption that consensus is hard to build. It assumes people are not well-intentioned.

The agreements, on the other hand, start with a position of trust and belief that people are well-intentioned. They are a result of hard work to build a consensus.

Healthy environments that focus on agreements demonstrate open dialogue, inputs, and opinions overflow with trusting interactions and overflowing results.

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