We Are Better Together, Aren't We?

It seems that whatever we need to do, we are better together than apart. That by working together, we can provide many more solutions that we can individually. While intellectually, that makes perfect sense, in the real world we struggle to create environments where that actually happens.

It has been proven time and time again that open space provides an environment in which true collaboration can occur. Its lack of hierarchy and rules is very appealing to those who just want to find a place to be a part of something, to make a difference. A place to apply their skills and knowledge for the greater good regardless of who owns it or will make money from it.

It is this willingness to open up and give up ownership rights that seems to drive the true collaboration. It, in effect, seems to create the freedom to be creative and try new things. I wonder, since it has been so effective in the technical arena, what could happen with global issues. If we were willing to truly work together across social, economic, political and cultural boundaries, what is it that we could accomplish as peers working together? Could we create an environment of collaboration, develop solutions and improve those solutions continuously? I think so, and wouldn’t that be a great place to be?

But, we must be willing to take a risk, admit that we don’t have all the answers, or, in fact, any of them. We just have a problem that seems insurmountable to us, but may not seem so insurmountable to someone else. Will we be willing to do that or will our pride stand in our own way? As a country, a country that has enjoyed world dominance for many years, a country that has solved so many issues (and probably caused as many), will we be willing to ask for and accept help?  Will we accept ideas from great thinkers outside of our boundaries. Will companies be willing the do the same? If not, I fear we will shrivel up within the very walls that we build and fortify around ourselves instead of enjoying the prospect of broadening our horizons and enjoying the immense possibilities.