“My model for business is The Beatles. They were four guys who kept each other's kind of negative tendencies in check. They balanced each other and the total was greater than the sum of its parts. That's how I see business: great things in business are never done by one person. They're done by a team of people.” - Steve Jobs

​ We all know that if we want to make a big difference in the world, we need to have others work with us or we have to work with others. The aim is to always ensure that we are moving and pulling in the same direction. The only way we can pull in the same direction is only if we agree on the direction. When we have put our lives into doing something, one thing is clear we need to get like minded people to pull  their weight and together we accomplish much. So, what does it take to have successful partnerships and collaboration:

​       i.  Mutual Respect: It is natural that two very reasonable people don’t agree on everything, mutual respects demands that even in such situations they do not get too upset with each other but they are truly willing to work things out the best way possible; When two people talk with mutual respect and listen with a real interest in understanding another point of view, when they try to put themselves in the place of another, to get inside their skin, they change the world, even if it is only by a minute amount, because they are establishing equality between two human beings. Theodore Zeldin

​      ii.    Acceptance of vulnerability: Being human, we shall often get hurt and wounded and the strength of accepting that position is important. It is not how far we fall but how strong we rise after the fall that determines where we can go. At times we fear doing things for fear of failure and victimization but how do we learn if we do not try? It is good to note that “Vulnerability is the birthplace of innovation, creativity, and change." -Brené Brown and "Out of our vulnerabilities will come your strength."-Sigmund Freud. Asking for help is never a sign of weakness

​    iii.  Clear Communication and expectations: At times we fail because we truly do not know what is expected of us or even at times goal posts change and unless we clearly re- communicate some people may be left stranded without understanding where we are headed. Communication is two way and one should always be ready ask questions and then proceed with execution. The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.”

​   iv. Define responsibility and let everybody have something they bring to the table: Knowing what one is bringing to the table and what is required of them is important to avoid confusion and slackening. There is always the need to have a clear choir master who directs how things are to be done. They need to have great leadership skills to pull people towards the goal by the selling the vision.

​All in all as we look into getting into any partnerships ensure you are deeply committed to its success since

“The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team.” – Phil Jackson.

‍Do not be the person pulling others down. Where need be, lead and provide direct since finding good players is easy.

‍Getting them to play as a team is another story. – Casey Stenge.

Everything goes back to individual responsibility.