Collaboration – Embracing the New World

I was reading a book about the new model of business (http://www.amazon.com/Quit-Your-Job-Months-Should-ebook/dp/B00Y78Y17O) and I came across a phrase that was simple, but one of those forehead-slapping, of course it is, realizations.

“… collaboration is the name of the game on the internet-not competition”  – Buck Flogging

So true, I thought, it’s a different world. I want to be part of the global society that is collaborating in mutually beneficial ways. I want to give; I believe that desire is in everyone’s nature. I’ve started repeating the phrase in my head because it was the clear articulation of what I see – people giving away their content and ideas, sharing their expertise, and standing on the shoulders of others.

The funny thing is, as you explore this for yourself, it is hard to live that realization when you’ve been in a competition mindset for so long. Often my first thought is, “I can’t tell people that; I’ve got to keep it to myself.” Or, “Why are they sharing this with me. What do they want?” Just because something sounds right and resonates, doesn’t mean it becomes your default way of thinking or being; it doesn’t mean you know how to do it. I realize that if I believe that and want to be part of it, I’ve got to take action to change.

I repeat the phrase in my head to overcome this, to join the revolution. Collaboration, not competition. I make deliberate efforts to put myself out there. I write more. I tell myself to share more on Twitter or LinkedIn, because that act forces me to be part of the collaboration universe, not a spectator. And, it builds empathy. Instead of being suspicious of motivations, I become appreciative because I realize how hard it is to put part of yourself out there, whether in a blog, a tweet, a post, whatever. It feels like a discovery, both of myself and of the world, and that’s a little frightening, but also very exciting… and a whole lot of fun!