COOPERATION
The meaning of this word is “The process of working together to the same end.”
Wow! Rather a “loaded” definition wouldn’t you say?
If you really think about it, no one would be where they are today without the cooperation of other individuals who’ve come and gone through their lives.
Does cooperation and teamwork go hand in hand?
Working together isn’t always easy is it. There are differences of opinions of how “it”should be done. Personal feelings get in the way, conflict erupts, compromises are made, someone doesn’t feel heard, someone is not pulling their weight, intimidation, cultural differences, intergenerational differences….The list goes on and on and on.
Sometimes “it” gets accomplished in a very smooth way and everyone walks away happy, with a sense of pride and accomplishment, learning from each other’s experiences, knowledge, education, and maybe even making a new friend along the way.
Sometimes “it” doesn’t get accomplished because of all these differences and everyone walks away unhappy, angry, upset, and blaming others. This is where the PLC can step in and help. The PLC offers workshops on conflict, intergenerational understanding, team problem solving, diversity and more. Click here for more information on these workshops.
Here are some tips to help you be a more “cooperative” individual:
1). Be Present – Be in the now: Be open and honest. Have clarity about yourself and what talents you can “bring to the table” and what you can “take away from the table”. Be willing to take a chance and be mindful.
2). Involve Others: More brains are better than one. “Individually we are one drop, together we are an ocean” (author unknown). Ask questions, praise others ideas and input.
3). Be Compassionate: Learn about the interests of others and respect them. Treat everyone as if they were already a friend.
4). Recognize that Success is Unlimited: You are not in a competition. Remember that others success leads the patch to your success.
This section is written by Lisa Jones, PLC’s Director of Human Resources and Operations.
