Collaboration is about coming together with others and creating an output much bigger than the sum of the parts, typically a 1 + 1 = 3 scenario. True collaboration therefore requires an abundance mindset, a view that there are enough resources and successes to share with others. The alternative is a scarcity mindset, which is founded on the idea that, if someone else wins or is successful in a situation, that means you lose. This does not consider the possibility of all parties winning (in some way or another) in a given situation.
Abundance is synonymous with the field of positive psychology, initially founded by Martin Seligman. Seligman and many subsequent researchers have empirically shown how marriages, teams and organisations flourish when an abundant and positive deviant mindset is present. Each of us can develop an abundant mindset, but this requires self-awareness, self-reflection and self-inquiry . Once the mindset is present, it can lead to feelings of empowerment, well-being, energy and appreciation for the good things that surround us.
Many of the modern businesses that are flourishing today, have achieved success through an abundance attitude. Think of Elon Musk, Bill Gates and Steve Jobs, would they have achieved the successes they did, with a scarcity approach?
Now think about your mindset and that of your organisation? Are these mindsets enabling the success of self and others? What must change if not the case?
The mindsets of the top management in an organisation have a way of influencing the tone of the organisational culture, and hence the mindset of the organisation. When organisations work on their strategies, there are two lenses they can use. A Red Ocean strategy and a Blue Ocean strategy or possibly both. Many of the new highly successful entrants into the market today, tend to have followed a Blue Ocean strategy. These companies would include Uber, Amazon, South West Airlines to name a few. In the context of this article, consider which of the two mentalities are needed to develop a Blue Ocean strategy? What does your organisation require?
