Sometimes, when something is hard to define, it can be easier to explain it by detailing what it is NOT. Some things can only be made clear by the negative space they create. 

So for clarity, here are some things Win-Win is NOT:

• Win-Win is not about eradicating zero-sum competition. Quite the opposite! Win-Win loves games and sports; which by design have pockets of intentional competition and scoring and prizes to drive action. So the question we should be asking ourselves is HOW MUCH competition is optimal right now? If we want to fulfill the three objectives, when should we compete, and when should we work together and collaborate? A truly Win-Win player is always paying attention to the externalities of the games they play. Similarly, a truly Win-Win World is one that always keeps its core objectives in mind when designing the games for its players.

• Win-Win is not some kum-bah-yah hippy circle of everyone in perfect alignment. Nor is it about equal outcomes in the name of “equity”. A world where everyone thinks the same, acts the same, speaks the same and gets the same would be extraordinarily boring and creepy. Frankly, a truly equal outcome society sounds like hell because it represents a maximum entropy state where nothing new would ever happen. An ideological heat death of the universe. Win-Win loves spicyness, weirdness and variety, because those are the drivers of change and new puzzles to solve. 

• Win-Win is not about finding a handy, one-size fits all solution to our problems. Of course, if it turns out there is one, it would certainly make things easier. But given the complexity of our universe, it seems unlikely... so if you’re here believing you already have all the answers, or worse, you’re looking for a trendy religion to give up your brain and agency to, look elsewhere. Ultimately Win-Win is about empowering YOU to figure out YOUR role in how we make the world better.

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