By Ed J. Pinegar and Richard J. Allen, excerpted from a forthcoming book called, “What We Need to Know and Do.
Listed below are three kinds of strategies to help us to be more cooperative:
1. Work toward a common vision.
- Foster leadership rather than competition—“The most important task of leadership is to define and nurture a shared vision that energizes and brings out the best in people.” —James A. Vaughan
- Keep ego in check—Remember that the cause or purpose of the group should supersede personal aggrandizement. Seek the common goal rather than to “be better than another.”
- Build on common goals—Differences often melt away when people are moving together toward a meaningful objective.
2. Create the right atmosphere and environment.
- Use love as a foundation—The heart of cooperation is the cultivation of love— “What can I do to help all of us—and each of us—move forward?” Look to help and support rather than backbite or complain.
- Set an example—Always seek to be supportive. Do your share and more. It is especially important for parents to cooperate with each other and set the right tone in the family.
- Listen—Be willing to listen to others. No one person always has all the answers.
- Praise generously—Be generous in compliments to your colleagues and co-workers.
- Foster team enterprise—Create an “acceptance atmosphere” —brainstorm together how to get things done more effectively. Discount no recommendations out of hand. Let all contribute according to their abilities and resources.
- Measure progress—Evaluate periodically so all those concerned will be brought up to the same speed.
3. Focus on the benefits.
- Enjoy the fruits of cooperation—Unity, peace, self-respect, respect for others, dignity, balance, harmony, productivity, and leaving behind a good legacy for the younger and future generations.