How to solve the most difficult problems in life? asked Dr. Stephen R. Covey. The result of his research is summarized in the book The Third Alternative. Ecuador has recently faced very serious and diverse problems, and the lack of common commitments to face them has led us to a crisis that requires an effective and sustainable solution. I am confident that Covey’s proposal can shed light on how to overcome this.

The starting point is to understand how we manage diversity when solving problems. The first alternative is always based on the way one sees and does things, the second alternative is the way others have it. The results when both meet, especially if they are opposites, are debate, argument or conflict. In the best case, an agreement in which the parties give in or compromise on something, which stops the belligerence for a moment and superficially, but the problem is perpetuated, the differences are emphasized and have a disintegrating effect.

Deep down, each alternative is based on a very deep-rooted and specific mentality: liberals and conservatives, workers and bosses, environmentalists and builders, Generation Z and Generation Y, among others.

The proposition is that you don’t have to resolve the conflict, you have to transform it. Moving forward in society, work or family does not mean reconciling or correcting the old reality, but rather creating a new reality. When you give in, everyone loses something, but if you create a third win-win alternative, a new and surprising result emerges. For Covey, having a tripolar mentality opens up the possibility of a way for both sides to win. Acknowledging that it is almost impossible to make sustainable progress when the solution focuses on knowing which is the best proposition, which identity prevails, mine or yours, who holds the power, you or me.

The new leaders who have emerged in this election contest are invited to set an example.

Whoever has a tripolar mentality becomes aware that ego, stereotypes and paradigms immobilize. He understands that the way to reap the benefits is synergy: the joint action of two towards common goals. Covey proposed three steps to achieve this. 1. Show the will: are we really ready to look for a better solution than the one found by everyone individually? 2. Define success criteria for everyone: Are we clear about what results might be a “win”, beyond personal expectations? 3. Generate and test new alternatives: Shall we explore different ideas? Shall we consider perspectives other than our own?

Ecuador has already achieved synergy when the private and public sectors, various political actors, academia, companies, NGOs, among many others, joined together to vaccinate 9 million Ecuadorians in 100 days. Can we do that again? Surely yes! If we overcome exhausting disputes and add it all up. The magnitude of the problems we face (insecurity, El Niño and poverty) make this paradigm shift necessary and urgent. The new leaders who have emerged in this election contest are invited to set an example. (OR)