合作同工 勇氣倍增

這些樹可以長到超過300呎高(大約9公尺高，還不包括根部)，直徑26吋(大約0.78公尺)，年齡很多都超過1000年。科學家認為它們能長到這種驚人的尺寸和長壽，原因是因為它們的根部系統。紅杉樹和紅杉樹之間的根部纏繞，讓彼此可以互相分享所需要的能量和資源，不斷茁壯成長。也因此它們有能力能抵禦外來的侵襲。

如果我們在商業和職場也合作如紅杉樹呢?在商場，人們傾向強調獨立和個別的成就，例如我們常常聽到這人是辦公室或是企業的後起之秀，表現特別突出等等。當然，重視表現特別突出的人並沒有什麼錯，但如果我們能在每天日常生活更多彼此合作，我們可以成就更多。

雖然現代人的口頭禪是「我」如何如何、照我的方法就對了…，但是團隊合作同工的最大好處就是有優點能互相幫補、有缺點能互相扶持。每一個有遠見的領袖都同時需要好的管理人才和執行者來完成目標、也需要有良好溝通技巧的人才有效地傳達指令，以及有能力的市場和銷售人才。因為業務再怎麼有銷售能力，產品本身也要優良才能賣得好。

聖經強調，整合資源和彼此合作能得到更好的結果。以下就是一些經文告訴我們為了更好，我們需要像紅杉樹根部一樣互相合作。

合作能給予彼此所需的支持。我們彼此需要。孤立和堅持獨立作業最終只會帶來失望和動機的消失。「又要彼此相顧，激發愛心，勉勵行善。 你們不可停止聚會，好像那些停止慣了的人，倒要彼此勸勉，既知道（ – 原文是看見）那日子臨近，就更當如此。」(希伯來書10章24-25節)

分享資源互惠共榮。在競爭的世界裡，我們傾向於尋求自己的利益，有的時候還會犧牲別人的利益以保護自己。但是這種短期的獲得可能會造成長期的損失。彼此同工，分享資源和能力最終能為彼此帶來更大的利益。「只是不可忘記行善和捐輸的事，因為這樣的祭是上帝所喜悅的。」 (希伯來書13章16節)

團隊合作成就更大。 辦過音樂會的人對彼此合作這件事最能明白。他們為了相同的使命、異象和價值彼此合作無間，共同合作一起成就了個人無法想像的大事。「兩個人總比一個人好，因為二人勞碌同得美好的果效。若是跌倒，這人可以扶起他的同伴；若是孤身跌倒，沒有別人扶起他來，這人就有禍了。再者，二人同睡就都暖和，一人獨睡怎能暖和呢？有人攻勝孤身一人，若有二人便能敵擋他；三股合成的繩子不容易折斷。」(傳道書4章9-12節)

勞勃．泰默西是領袖資產協會的傳播部副部長，這是一個總部在美國喬治亞州亞特蘭大的非營利組織。

These trees have been known to grow well over 300 feet tall (not including their root system), up to 26 feet in diameter, and many have lived well beyond 1,000 years. To what do scientists attribute their amazing size, durability and lifespan? One of the most important factors, I discovered, is their root system. Sequoia trees intertwine their roots with other sequoias, enabling them to share strength and resources necessary for their growth and health. They are better equipped for enduring adversity as well.

What if we were to function more like sequoias in the business and professional world? There is a tendency to emphasize independence and individual achievement. We hear about the “rising star” in the office or company, the person that stands out for exceptional performance. There is nothing wrong with recognizing those that stand out, but a reality in nature and everyday life is in virtually every instance, we can accomplish more together than we can in operating by ourselves.

Despite mantras such as “it is all about me” and “I did it my way,” there is something very gratifying and rewarding about working together as a team, complementing one another with our respective strengths and abilities, and offsetting our weaknesses. Every visionary leader needs good administrative and clerical people to accomplish their objectives. Idea people need skilled communicators to convey their ideas effectively. Accomplished sales people would be of no value without the capable staff poised to make the products they sell.

The Bible emphasizes this principle of pooling resources and mutual strength for a greater outcome. Here is a sampling of what it says about working together for the common good, much as huge sequoias merge their root systems to maximize their growth:

Joining together to provide needed support. We need each other. Isolation and insistence on operating independently can ultimately lead to discouragement and lack of motivation. “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another” (Hebrews 10:24-25).

Sharing resources for mutual benefit. In a competitive world we are tempted to seek our own advantage, at times at the expense of others. But short-term gains can result in long-term losses. Working together, sharing assets and strengths, can lead to substantially greater benefits for all. “And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased” (Hebrews 13:16).

Teaming up to achieve greater results. There is much to be said about the synergy of people working in concert, united around a common sense of mission, vision and values. They can accomplish great things together that they could only dream about independently. “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work. If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up?… Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12).

Robert J. Tamasy is vice president of communications for Leaders Legacy, Inc., a non-profit based in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A.