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.
Competing Alignments addresses decisions in which two legitimate values pull in different directions. The choice is not between the obvious right and obvious wrong; it is between different forms of responsibility, opportunity, loyalty, and fit.
The framework makes loss visible. A mature decision may still leave something valuable behind.
The elements
1
Values
The principles or commitments that each option honours.
2
Responsibilities
The people and obligations affected by the decision.
3
Time horizon
The difference between immediate cost and longer-term consequence.
4
Trade-off
What each path makes possible and what it asks you to release.
How to use it
1
Write the strongest case for each path without caricaturing either one.
2
Separate a true value conflict from fear disguised as responsibility.
3
Choose consciously, then grieve the value you could not preserve.
