collaboration

I learned very early in my career that finding a mentor is key to success – learn from others who have been down the path you want to go.  I also learned that being a mentor to others is not only gratifying it’s important to the success life cycle. So what does that have to do with collaboration?

 The Cycle

You don’t need to reinvent wheels – you simply need to take the design of the wheel, the research already done on the effectiveness of the wheel – and put your own spin on it.  The magic happens when that original wheel inventor actually learns a thing or two from you and your new spins on his/her design.

This is called Collaboration.  In the process of gathering intel and learning you are SHARING your wisdom in return.  The cycle of success keeps moving and growing the more you collaborate, learn and share. 

Starting

• The secret to mastering the success life cycle is knowing who to collaborate with. It begins with YOU.  You must clearly define what you want, where you want to go and what you want to be.  Write them down.
• Next you need to find others who have successfully achieved what you want. Social media is a perfect example of how this happens ALL THE TIME.  Want to run a marathon?  Head over to twitter, Facebook and Instagram and Google and search out expert marathoners. Become obsessed with learning everything they do from what they eat, how they train, how much they sleep and what they wear.  Adapt it to your lifestyle and go.  Ask questions, give feedback to others – soon you will be the expert and sharing your stories to help others!
• Consider IRL collaborations. Meeting people face to face or IN REAL LIFE trumps online connections 90% of the time – if you are very intentional who you are connecting with.  It’s all about having a solid support system – the inner circle of folks who you deeply trust and feel comfortable sharing with.
• Let go of your ego. Being a newbie or a learner is not a sign of weakness, nor is being a mentor to others a sign of superiority.  This is about collaboration and serving.  Egos should be checked at the door.

If you want to win the long game – don’t do it solo.  Know success is a journey – there will be ups and downs, having a support system will get you to the finish line a hell of a lot quicker than going solo.