In business, success is often seen as a result of outpacing others. We compete to show our importance, if not our dominance. Yet few of us licensed professionals invested our time, money, and energy in higher education with the intention to defeat others. We chose our professions to serve them. This is why business models grounded in competition don’t feel consistent with our values and goals. Fortunately, there is another way to succeed, and it allows us to:
- Use our education and experience to empower and support people in distress
- Work with clients who have compatible values and goals
- Support our co-workers, managers, former classmates, and community members
The Benefits of Collaboration
Collaboration opens doors to a wealth of knowledge and experience, creating an environment where we can thrive together. Consider the following examples.
- Among Employees: When team members collaborate, they share diverse perspectives and skills, often leading to innovative solutions and a more cohesive work environment. Conversely, when employees are pitted against each other unnecessarily, the competition can destroy bonds and integrity.
- Between Employees and Managers: Open communication and mutual respect fosters trust and efficiency, making it easier to achieve the common goals that brought employees and managers together. When there’s a disconnect, help them remember their compatibility and align their interests.
- Among Licensed Professionals and Small Business Owners: Networking and partnerships among other professionals and business owners can lead to shared resources, mentorship opportunities, and joint ventures that benefit all parties involved. We have learned a tremendous amount about other industries and who to call through Videosocials, 26x Networking, In This Together Roundtable, and other professional associations.
Mindless competition has strained our environment, families, and communities. Collaboration might be the best way to find effective and sustainable solutions to some of our biggest challenges. From climate change to substance abuse, our chances of prevailing improve when we align.
Shifting Our Focus
Let’s move from outdoing others to outdoing ourselves. By building a supportive network and working together, we can create a future where success is measured by the positive impact we have on the world. It’s not about being better than someone else; it’s about being better than you were yesterday. Together, we can make a difference—one collaboration at a time.