There is a mistaken notion about collaboration. I would love to take credit for the revelation, however it was a casual one-time comment made by someone I have forgotten and everyone, myself included, ignored or dismissed at the time.
“Collaboration is not about working together. Working together is teamwork.”
“Collaboration is the ability to act independently, confidently knowing that another person is working without your involvement on something you depend on.”
As I work through lost opportunities to collaborate, I find myself struggling to articulate possibilities without emphasizing the negative. An old observation reminds me of what I keep missing; “The moon keeps track of the seasons, the sun is in charge of each day.” (Psalm 104.19)
In context of my collaboration challenges, the observation of the sun and moon leaves several reminders for me to consider.
Life is defined by what we do. Our limits and inabilities do not describe our contributions. In our actions, we describe our intent, tell the story of our values, and deliver on our aspirations.
Our differences are often complimentary. It takes more than one skill to complete most projects. In being a community, we open and share an opportunity for More. More than we are capable of. More than we imagine.
As I reflect, a potential window emerges where affirmations and invitations exist. In affirming the strengths of others, new avenues of contribution are created. In inviting them to work in their preferred space, I open the door for us to link up and do what others cannot see or imagine.
Being together is more than an opportunity work side by side with each other. It is a time to mark our progress, steady our resolve, and celebrate the steps we have taken – for and with each other!
I carry no illusion that my rediscovered approach will be easy or automatically lead to results. Sitting next to collaboration are two attributes that I keep forgetting. First, an ability to see and embrace a role within the bigger story. Second, trust in each other – for mutual safety and safe keeping.
