The Power of Collaboration

While reflecting on the week that was, I was thinking about collaboration...

I saw a team working together in harmony to create an amazing event, I saw an assistant and manager speak in glowing terms about their working relationship and how valuable their combined efforts are, I saw a CEO and EXCO team show appreciation for what their assistants do for them and the value of this partnership. I spent some time working on new projects with my training partner. But this left me questioning why do some people collaborate so naturally and others find it necessary to compete?

In the Fourth Industrial Age we will be expected to join forces with others, pool resources and embrace the idea that when we work together we multiply the available human and physical capital in an amazing way. This will be an era where trust and relationships will have financial value. This new age is not called the Connection Economy for nothing!

When we compete are we building relationships? Are we gaining the trust of those we openly or discreetly compete against? I think you will agree that the answer is a definite no. Competition is not to be confused with ambition or drive, these are worthy attributes. I am talking about the negative aspects of competition.

I truly believe that your only competition should be the person you see in the mirror while you brush your teeth in the morning, because after all no one is like you, you are a once off and that in itself will earn you more financially and emotionally in this new age.

​From an observer's point of view being competitive with others, withholding information or know how makes us look insecure, jealous and as if we only have a limited amount of ideas, skills etc. The act of sharing without expectation on the other hand creates the image of someone who is an expert, generous and a leader.

Collaboration is creative and it is fun! When you work with another person your ideas are amplified, there is an exchange of energy and the other person can act as a sounding board or voice of reason. It can be joyous, it can be a bit messy, it can be beautiful but in my opinion it is always more exciting than competing!  

So thank you Esme van de Merwe and the team that arranged the event, The Exxaro Assistants, Mr Mxolisi Mgojo and Teri Wells for inspiring me to collaborate MORE and BETTER! This week was a blessing and a lesson!

So until next time,

Hugs from DXB