Reflections from Ipswich

Dear reader,

Some weeks ago, I was out late by the waterfront in Ipswich, United Kingdom, taking a stroll, and my gaze fell on the beautiful reflection of light in the water. It was so captivating that I raised my head to see where the lights were coming from.

Apparently, the buildings around were producing the light, and for the first time, I was intrigued by the different shades of light. I could see red, green, yellow, orange, and white shades of light—all of which could be easily missed from where they were in faraway buildings.

However, reflected together, they formed this beautiful constellation in the water. Just standing there staring got me thinking about the power of collaboration.

In a world where individualism is prioritized and much celebrated, the power of collaboration and contribution is often played to the sidelines. Even when people attempt to be collaborative, the nagging thought remains: “What is in it for me?”

Is that a wrong question? Absolutely not!

But there are other questions to ask when collaborating:

• Does this align with my overall goal?
• How does this align with my goal?
• Is the cost worth the reward?

These questions are important in guiding collaborative efforts so the outcome is fulfilling for both parties. Just like the various shades of light reflecting in the water, each contributing part in a collaboration should be a unique hue to a stunning visual symphony.

So, why does collaboration matter?

1. Diverse Perspectives Lead to Innovation: When people with different backgrounds and skill sets come together, they bring a variety of perspectives that can spark new ideas and solutions. This diversity is the bedrock of innovation. For instance, in a team where members contribute unique insights, the collective intelligence surpasses the sum of individual knowledge.
2. Shared Workloads Enhance Efficiency: Collaboration allows for an effective team. There is less frustration when you collaborate according to shared values. Even when it looks like there are hiccups along the way on a project, the synergy of being aligned with the right groups fosters faster and more effective problem-solving. When team members feel supported and valued, they are more likely to contribute their best work and support others in turn.
3. Builds a Stronger Community: Effective collaboration in line with shared values fosters a sense of community. It builds a network of trust and reliability. Even when the project is done, lifelong friendships, partnerships, and referral networks would have been formed.

Let's stop here this week, sip it in and next week, I will share more with you on how to collaborate or volunteer your expertise without feeling exploited.

See you next weekkkkkk! ??

Your buddy,

'Fisayomeee ??