Competition or collaboration — what is the true key to guaranteeing organizational success? While in our environment of ever-increasing velocity and hyper-connectedness, organizations’ real “edge” lies in strategic alliances, collaborative networks, and collective intelligence.
Embrace collaboration, which is far more than an attribute or soft skill, as a core strategy.
Here are key differences between outdated “competition” and newly modeled collaboration:
Traditional Advantages
- Market dominance
- Efficiency
- Intellectual capital and proprietary knowledge
- Secrecy in the name of competition
Collaborative Advantages
- Expanded market to serve
- Agility and adaptability
- Expanded expertise
- Transparency that converts to trust
Avoid rendering a disservice to your clients and customers through redundant offerings. Begin to remove barriers, align with like-mission entities, and foster collective growth to better serve your respective constituencies while heightening financial stewardship.
Some Reflection Prompts
- Within your geo-reach, how many other organizations offer similar products and services?
- Among competitors, are there opportunities to collaborate that would reduce your overhead costs and advance the mission of both entities?
- Is your service region so flooded with similar offerings that your clients and end users become mystified as to what pathway, product, or service will work best?
Success Story
In working with many area entities to serve a community, I recently had a great conversation with a colleague about a new offering his organization wanted to launch in our geo-zone. Because of our mutual respect and well-established working relationship, he contacted me first to ensure there wouldn’t be any negative impact or opposition. During my review of his plan, it was evident that the new endeavor would be a win for our community and offer something unique and equally expedited when compared to other offerings.
Takeaway
Humility is a signature competency and at the core of successful collaboration.