We’ll first get started by accepting the reality that human beings are selfish by nature. It’s neither a good or bad truth; but a necessary characteristic trait for self well-being. We need to place ourselves first if we are to survive physically, thrive mentally, and heal emotionally.
And although we do not seek to support the theories of the English philosopher Thomas Hobbes (1588-1679), who claims that “man is naturally bad” and only seeks his interest. However, we do seek to support the notion that life should not be about pleasing others and should be more about maintaining a healthy balance between yourself and who you are and the people around you that matter the most.
Now let’s transfer this premise to the business field and make it a bit more generous.
How can we achieve sustainable benefits and lasting collaborative work in a divergent corporate atmosphere such as the current one?
Here is where the Win-Win Thinking concept can be applied. An approach that leads to a benefit for all involved in turn leads to a symbiotic train of thought, “how can I put myself in a position to win so that you can also win; furthermore, we can also win”?
INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR COLLEAGUES’ BUSINESS PLAN
The first step to developing interchangeable strategies is gathering current information about colleagues’ goals and business plans. These guides allow us to identify shared points and devise different ways to satisfy those needs on both sides.
ASKING FOR FEEDBACK AS A HABIT
Asking regularly for feedback is necessary for professional development as well as building strong business relationships with colleagues. It’s imperative to find those moments to ask key questions and even give suggestions when necessary. Also, always remember to take notes while promoting open, transparent and effective dialogue.
CELEBRATING MUTUAL BENEFITS
Acknowledging and more importantly, celebrating bilateral triumphs will only promote seamless camaraderie and strengthen bonds between alliances and cooperation between the company and it’s associates. Sharing positive data and improvements will also boost motivation for the team to continue promoting a goal-oriented, teamwork style of attitude.
SHARE PROVIDERS AND CLIENTS
Similar background initiatives always find advancement from having a quality corporate support network. Sharing key customers and suppliers strategically for a common benefit will promote success and business continuity from a pattern of trust and a lens of longevity.
In the long-term grand scheme of things, every current company should promote the adoption of collaborative thinking in a way that promotes ways the team can win and not just individual colleagues. Furthermore, this should be an essential part of their corporate social responsibility, and professional values. And while there is truth in the fact that fair competition motivates teams to be better and is healthy to keep colleagues sharp and uncomplacent, collaboration takes us further for social sustainability and progressive transformation.
“Your value will be not what you know; it will be what you share.” ― Ginni Romett, CEO, IBM