One of my enduring passions is implementing my study of collaboration.  It is so much fun (for me anyway :)) to bring your leadership skills into  community building. More accurately, what is fun is to intentionally build a collaborative community.  The structure of community that I am practicing is from a horizontal template rather than a vertical (hierarchical) template.  It applies as well in the business environment as well.   In a horizontal team structure each of us on a team are on the same level as all the rest.  Your designated job does not change.  The only way that a horizontal template will work is if everyone participating shares in the ownership of whatever the structure’s intention is.  Along with community building and in the business environment this template for ‘getting something done’ applies with team work with corporations, circles of men and women, families and with personal relationships.  It even applies with your relationship with yourself when you make your intellect, intuition and emotional system have equal validity in your self inquiry.

I am always looking for signs in nature to support  my so called ‘life management’ theoris.  And I am never disappointed! This one: Lessons from Geese was originally compiled by Angeles Arrien many years ago.  It is  foundational support from nature for collaborating rather than competing.

What comes up for you around being part of a collaborative team?  How are you with the idea of being a leader and inviting the others on your team to fully participate along with maintaining your hands on the reins? Or…how about if you are the proverbial bottle washer?  How are you with the idea of taking on ownership with all the rest of your team members?  I would love to hear your thoughts.