#256: Cooperating to compete

People are strange. We dominate the planet mainly because of our ability to work together and yet we compete with each other like crazy.

Our ability for premeditated team work has enabled us to expand our horizons beyond our wildest dreams. And as our reality has expanded to match our dreams we have increased our need to know where we fit in the scheme of things.

Here’s the really strange bit. Our sense of self-worth is mostly based on comparison with others. I measure myself against my neighbors and colleagues.

Sadly, what this often comes down to is that my success depends on your 'un-success'.

Here’s the real paradox: ‘I win if you lose’ but ‘We survive if we work together’. We have survived and developed because we tend to resolve this paradox by finding meaning beyond the expense of our neighbors and colleagues.

Remember this as you compete your way out of this recession.


I’m JamesMcIntosh@nonsenseatwork.com

Copyright: 2008 James Henry McIntosh

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