In this series, we are looking at the key words that define a successful sustainable business. The second word is Collaboration. This is defined as: To work with one with another in a cooperative manner. We have been created to work with each other, never alone. We each have unique strengths and abilities that when united with others create compounded exponential results.

Too many small business owners think that they need to do all the work themselves. This results in long hours of frustration and often poor quality. Why do we insist on doing things that we are not equipped to do. All that results from this is us doing a poor job that makes us look bad.

A strategy I insist on is writing out lists for both our staff and clients. Two lists are critical: first define what you are good at and second, what you are bad at. Once you have these two lists, we all need to focus on doing the stuff on the good list and avoid doing anything on the bad list. When you find yourself doing something that you do poorly and get frustrated: STOP. Work out why. If there is someone you know who can do a better job, pick up the phone and call them. Collaborate is different from delegate. To delegate, the person often has very little choice in the matter. Collaborate requires cooperation, a joining together for common good and exponential results.

In your teams, partners and business structures, learn to work with each other as you complement the areas of weakness in others with your strengths. Never judge others based on their weakness, if they share this, it is an opportunity to add value to their lives, not exploit it for your own good. As we learn to work together and complement each other, our world becomes a better place, and we find value in our contribution.