Zero-sum thinking perceives situations as zero-sum games, where one person's gain would be another's loss. This psychological construct implies that resources are finite, leading individuals to believe that success can only be achieved at the expense of others. This mindset results in a general conviction that social relations operate like a zero-sum game, causing misconceptions and poor decision-making in various contexts.
In negotiations, a person may believe that they can only achieve a better deal by taking away benefits from the other party, ignoring the possibility of reaching a mutually beneficial agreement.
Challenge the zero-sum mindset by exploring win-win scenarios and recognizing that multiple outcomes can exist where all parties benefit.