Let’s collaborate

There are two kinds of people in the world: those looking for something to do, and those working harder than ever just trying to keep up with the work on their plate.

Overly simplistic, I know, but lately that’s how it feels to me. Those who aren’t working are desperate for a job and something meaningful to do to fill their day.

Those of us who are working, are somehow busier than ever. We’re not complaining, of course; we’re counting our blessings to be busy and bringing home a paycheck.

At the same time, we’re running a little leaner staff than usual, meaning more work lands on the desks of fewer people (did I mention how busy I am lately?). We’re trying to start new business units, expand our sources of revenue and, of course, figure out how to facebook, twitter, and network the heck out of everything we’re busy doing.

Some of it we’re doing really well. I see companies and organizations that are more innovative, creative and engaged than ever before. They’re launching new programs and adding services. They’re involved in writing grants and getting grants, and in helping others progress forward in this profession.

Every once in a while, though, I see areas where, instead of collaborating, we try to hoard our piece of the market. We duplicate and overlap efforts, resulting in more work; less payoff.

Last week I was in Phoenix and had the opportunity to visit a Catholic Charities center. Just a few years ago they built the Caregiver House, a small home designed to be fully accessible – and designed for teaching people how best to provide care in someone else’s home.

The bathrooms have innovative assistive devices; the bedrooms are equipped with the typical wheelchair, walker and other devices you might find in a home where care is being given someone elderly or disabled. The living room has lots of extra tables and chairs for teaching and presentations.

It’s a beautiful home and a wonderful environment for teaching people to provide care at home. And the best part of all is that the organization opens the House to groups throughout the community to use for their own teaching. They willingly and graciously share their wonderful resource, even though they provide training as a big part of their own program.

We’re all trying to do just a little more with just a little less these days. I suggest that maybe it’s time for us all to look for ways to collaborate rather than compete just a little more often.

Last week I came home excited and energized by the prospect of working in collaboration with others, instead of exhausted and burdened by the load on my own desk.

It’s a great feeling. Can we collaborate, and lighten your load a bit today?