Compete defined– strive to gain or win something by defeating or establishing superiority over others who are trying to do the same

“I have been up against tough competition all my life. I wouldn’t know how to get along without it.” Walt Disney

Collaborate defined – work jointly on an activity, especially to produce or create something

“The secret is to gang up on the problem, rather than each other.” Thomas Stallkamp

To Compete or Collaborate, that is the question.  The answer is both are good and can be done is a way that creates new pathways for all.

• There are people who are more collaborative by nature and they achieve great outcomes.
• There are people who are competitive by nature and when they work together as part of a team they create great outcomes.

It is not really collaboration or competition, it is the focus on a clear goal and outcome that creates benefits for all.  We have seen the beauty of this model over and over in many ways:

• The iPod – music for the masses
• PC – personal computing and communication
• IndieGoGo – funding for the creative
• Starbucks – coffee and community
• Agile Method – faster and better development
• Skype – global communications
• Velcro – sealing the world together in a more flexible way
• Whole foods – healthy choices and outlet of better alternatives
• Lulu – publishing for all
• Zappos – fun and easy shopping
• Twitter – a voice to change the world
• Mini – experience and play
• Etsy – an artisans bazaar
• Paypal- a bank for the internet
• Wikipedia – knowledge for the masses
• Coursera – education for the curious
• Uber – an innovative way to travel

I am confident there are thousands of more that have been built in the light of collaboration and/or competition.

“Do your work with your whole heart, and you will succeed – there’s so little competition.”  Elbert Hubbard

The goal is really to be clear on the outcome and to ignite others to bring their personal best to the outcome.   When this happens we have an uncommon synergy that produces amazing results.

Collaborate or Competition.  They both work.  Learn to trust the process and engage with both.

“Your corn is ripe today; mine will be so tomorrow. ‘Tis profitable for us both, that I should labour with you today, and that you should aid me tomorrow. “David Hume

Create A Better Way,

Bobbie