Collaboration vs competition

The ALS ice bucket challenge became a viral internet sensation raising $15.6 million for Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or ALS. ALS is a degenerative neural disease that can result in slow death over a period 5 to 10 years. Collaboration had drawn in thousands of celebrities all over the world.

The point here is that alone, we can do so little. But by joining hands and collaborating we can do the impossible. Great social movements like Rotary who are on the brink of conquering polio, believe in the effect of collaboration. Though we all know that collaboration can take us much further, we are far more attuned to competition.

Our education systems are built on competition. While competition can help us benchmark and reach out for higher goals, it can also leave the ‘losers’ feeling overwhelmed and insecure. Those who win, can end up being arrogant and losing friends. The best way to go forward is to compete against yourself. Try to do better today than yesterday. If we have to compete, let’s compete on contributing to causes. Let’s compete in treating the environment better.

‘No man is an island’ wrote John Donne. So to collaborate, can be honoured and rewarded in schools and in corporates. But all said and done, we need to pursue internal motivation to encourage collaboration.

Collaboration means total trust and an investment in each other’s success. Invest in the art of working together. Get involved in the art of collaboration. This can certainly make the world a better place.

Rekha Shetty is the author of Happy Street and Everyday Happiness Mantras