After a week of working with a friend on a writing project, I learned something grand.
As a speaker, writer and entrepreneurial minister, I often feel like the Lone Ranger without Tonto.
I mean, it’s a lonely pursuit in new endeavors . . .
where I’m often misunderstood.
Not to mention that I find it very difficult to be productive . . . especially since I’d rather be around people.
*Picture by Lone Ranger Fan Club
Do you ever feel alone in creating, doing good, or ministering? Well . . .
Collaboration changes that Lone Ranger Mentality.
As Vonda Skelton and I worked on the same project in the same place, our brainstorming and discussions were amped with super creativity.
Vonda would have an idea, and then
I’d get one,
followed by her getting another.
It was a circle of exploding ideas. The atmosphere filled with what-if electricity. Creativity bred more creativity. We were so getting it done. And together, we knocked out some awesome concepts.
Vonda and I taking a working break for coffee and beignets
Our collaboration also made us hyper-productive. We not only had great ideas, but we were able to carry them out and map out the whole project. Much to our amazement, we finished more than we anticipated. The results more than doubled as we worked together.
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“One plus one equals way more than two.” – Click to Tweet
Although we didn’t complete our project in the short time we had together, our collaboration continues. Other approaching responsibilities meant we’d have to work separately. So . . .
We created a plan, divided the rest of the labor, and individually are working to create the final product. In this process we are accountable to each other to deliver our part of the work.
There’s nothing like somebody counting on you to make you more productive.
During this time, I learned that . . .
great ideas are good,
work is fulfilling, and yet . . .
People are our greatest asset.
Collaboration breeds creativity, productivity and accountability.
The only problem Vonda and I have in working together—
since now we are like the Lone Ranger with Tonto—
is arguing who gets to be the sidekick.
The lonely spot is harder work. Having a partner who is focused on the same mission is invaluable. Working alone isn’t as fun, or creative, or productive than working together.
What do you do when you feel alone in your work?
If you’ve collaborated before, what other benefits did you experience? What warnings? Tell us in the comments below.
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What a fun, full week that was! I just wish we could have had another week or two. Can you imagine what we could have accomplished? I love working with you!
Wow, to think of what we could’ve done in another week or two! Ditto. I love working with you too!!