“Each one of us has one body, and that body has many parts. These parts don’t all do the same thing. In the same way, we are many people, but in Christ, we are all one body. We are the parts of that body, and each part belongs to all the others. We all have different gifts. Each gift came because of the grace God gave us.” (Romans 12:4-6 ERV) The Word clearly defines the need for us to work together because we all have specific gifts, talents, and abilities to share with others.
Collaboration is a necessary part of life. We can’t grow personally or professionally without others. We’ve heard the saying “It takes a village to raise a child.” It’s going to take a village for us to get through life. We need a team of prayer warriors to tear down mountains, uproot strongholds, and let Satan know that we aren’t playing when we need God to answer our prayers. Let’s uplift our voices and let Satan know that we aren’t giving up because of his schemes. Together we will build and grow. Collaboration is necessary for success!
Accountability in Asking for Help
This is a memorable example in which I forgot to collaborate with others and ask for help. In October 2017, I was hosting the Elephant in the Room and forgot to seek additional assistance for the day of the event. I had to go back to the car several times to bring boxes in and retrieve items that I needed. I found myself scattering and trying to set up my product table and placing other items in their appropriate place. It wasn’t that I was trying to do it all on my own, I simply forgot to ask for help. Thank God that He sent several people who had helped me at other events and graciously stepped in and assertively informed me “You won’t be in this position again. You will remember to ask for help.” Needless to say, assistance at events is now included on the checklist. I am now held accountable by my friend and business accountability partner, Elaine Cauley, to not become overwhelmed at events, workshops, conferences, seminars, etc. for assignments that are delegated to the correct people.
Iron Sharpens Iron
When we collaborate with others, we’re held accountable for the actions we take as well as the actions we don’t take. Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another. (Proverbs 21:17) Hopefully when we are working with others, it is for a specific and guided purpose. During this time, we should be helping each other to become better and sharpening our talents, skills, and abilities.
Collaboration with the right person(s) will:
- Challenge you
- Build your trust
- Give you greater insight
- Increase your creativity and productivity
- Hold you accountable
- Keep you engaged in what is to be accomplished
- Prevent procrastination
- Allow others to “pour into” you
- Help prevent errors
- Allow opportunities for delegation
- Help you reach a goal
No “I” in Team!
I truly understand that there is no “I” in the team and I definitely don’t want to be on an island by myself…and neither should you.
Keep in mind, not everyone will provide you with the collaborative effort that you need in certain seasons. Your collaborations will change as your goals and visions change. Why? You want to go to the subject matter experts and learn from their knowledge and creative insight. We don’t need to recreate the wheel when others have specific and relevant information that they are willing to share. When you meet with the subject matter experts, be prepared to ask the questions for which you need answers in order to have an effective and beneficial meeting.
Once again I say, collaboration is necessary for success!
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