Darin Oliver
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FrameworksCompeting Alignments

Competing Alignments

A framework for decisions in which two legitimate forms of alignment pull in different directions.

Overview

Competing Alignments helps you see what is shaping the outcome beneath the surface.

A framework for decisions in which two legitimate forms of alignment pull in different directions.

Competing Alignments helps you see what is shaping the outcome beneath the surface.

The elements

  1. 1

    Values

    The principles or commitments that each option honours.

  2. 2

    Responsibilities

    The people and obligations affected by the decision.

  3. 3

    Time horizon

    The difference between immediate cost and longer-term consequence.

  4. 4

    Trade-off

    What each path makes possible and what it asks you to release.

How to use it

  1. 1

    Write the strongest case for each path without caricaturing either one.

  2. 2

    Separate a true value conflict from fear disguised as responsibility.

  3. 3

    Choose consciously, then grieve the value you could not preserve.

Common pitfalls

  • Waiting for a lossless option.
  • Treating indecision as neutrality.
  • Using responsibility to avoid a difficult truth.

Essays that explore this framework

1 essay available

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The Path I Did Not Take

A reflection on Boston, San Francisco, responsibility, and the difference between a successful path and an aligned one.

8 min listen