“Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed.” Ecclesiastes 4:9 NLT
Have you ever said to yourself or heard anyone say, “I’m better off doing this alone”? This was a statement I made for a long time. Even when I could have a team, I did many things alone.
In hindsight, I realise that it wasn’t a good mindset. Such statements are born from negative experiences working with others, perfectionism, lack of exposure, and subtle pride.
Do you realise that when Jesus decided to go full blast in His work, He put together 12 disciples with whom he could work closely? Even though He was their teacher, mentoring and showing them the way, He shared the work with them.
There are seasons when we need to work in isolation. But even in those times, we need people we can be accountable to so that the desires that God has placed in our hearts won’t die off.
How can we ensure we work in collaboration?
There are four ways to do this:
1. Get a mentor.
Ever since I started working with a coach, I’ve experienced more clarity than when no one showed me the way. It can be slow to do work alone without someone to guide you based on their experience.
2. Work with a partner.
Some projects you want to start require skills you need to have. These skills can be found in someone else. Other factors in choosing partners include their beliefs, work ethic, maturity, and goals.
I once partnered with a friend on a startup, but it died off after a year because we had different goals. It was a nice idea, but we couldn’t overcome our differences. So, aside from skills, the other factors are important.
3. Build a team.
Leverage is important for going faster. Someone else can do what you can’t do in the limited time you have. However, to effectively build a team, there are other things to learn, such as delegation, leadership, process management, etc.
4. Be part of a community.
One of the reasons I got involved in Church was because I wanted a community. However, joining communities that impact different aspects of your life is crucial, from spirituality to career to family.
Finding the right professional communities has been an uphill task because I didn’t realise its importance until much later in my career.
“I thrive working with the right people.”
God wants us to succeed, and to do that, He can place the right people in our circles.
Are there projects you could have executed differently if you had the right mentor, partner, team, or community? Find the lapses and pray for direction the next time you try them.
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