The Art of Collaboration

Often, it’s a simple reframe of the current situation that will create a shift in energy from negative to positive and inspire you to take action. Looking at a collaborative effort with another organization is negative if you start by saying, “This is a waste of time that will not yield anything for us.” Even if the collaboration doesn’t work out, is it really a waste of time? Another way to approach the effort is to see the not-so-obvious benefits that are being overlooked. Possibly a collaborator on the other side has a contact at an organization you’ve been trying to do business with; maybe you’re introduced to a more effective business model; maybe your new director of operations is sitting across the table from you; or you simply might learn something new. Thus, every situation can be an opportunity, as long as you choose to see it that way.