Dream Makers

I have been thinking about collaboration and how it connects to adaptive leadership. The question in my mind: Why don't we collaborate? Shouldn't it be natural? After all, the logical behavior is to help one another to achieve common goals. 

Of course, it's hardly that easy. First, our reward systems often do not favor collaboration. We are not rewarded for collective efforts, but for individual ones. By the time we realize we were playing violin on the Titanic, the time to collaborate is past.

Second, collaboration may feel like a loss. Loss of time, of efficiency, of focus on our own goals. And remember - only our goals matter. We were not socially conditioned to worry about other people's goals unless these people are deeply connected to us. For example, we may help our family members or close friends but not a work colleague. 

I am curious as to your thoughts. How does collaboration show up in your place of work? Is it real or just "for show"? And if collaboration, as a value, is  "just for show" what can we do to change our perspective?

Happy Dream Making!