Collaboration is Key To Prosperity and Peace

To best address our growing social, political, and economic problems, I believe humanity needs to incorporate the Collaboration Model in the 21st Century, rather than continue with the age-old Dominance Model, if we are to move away from poverty and war and toward prosperity and peace.

The Collaboration Model has as its highest priority the caring for people. Its focus is the creation of mutually beneficial relationships.

Simply stated, the Dominance Model is about top-down control and the Collaboration Model is about creating healthy, sustainable relationships. The first is based on the need to dominate and control; the second is based on the ability to trust and collaborate.

Since the Dominance Model is top-down, like nation over nation, religion over religion, man over woman, examples include any relationship or system where domination occurs. Since domination has been a consistent theme throughout history, those of us living in the 21st Century can easily look back and agree that this model is not conducive to peace. On the contrary, the Dominance Model causes, rather than discourages, conflict and war.

I believe at this critical time in history the world needs more people who are willing to create collaborative relationships based on mutual respect and mutual benefit. Additionally, more equalitarian relationships (relationships based on equal rights) are needed today in our families, in our businesses, and in our governments. Those who understand and practice these models will surge forward successfully, and those who do not, will not.

People who genuinely desire to create mutually beneficial relationships authentically seek to create win-wins. The good news is that those who aren’t naturally inclined to think abundantly can easily be taught to do so. It’s a matter of wanting to learn a better way of being, then acquiring the tools and practicing until old “dominance” thoughts, habits, and patterns are changed.

A healthy, open discussion about values and human needs is prerequisite to moving the world from the prevailing Dominance Model to the superior, and much needed, Collaboration Model. Since we are co-creators of our problems (as co-inhabitants on this planet) it behooves us to discuss solutions together.

I am sending out a CALL FOR ACTION.

Who am I to do this? I am one woman who leads the fastest-growing global women’s network in the world: The Women’s Information Network (The WIN). We presented the largest gathering of women in the history of the world on International Women’s Day, 2011; we presented 377 live events in 152 countries. We are now presenting 1,000 Global Women’s Summits across the globe.

I know the hearts, needs, and desires of the women of the world. They want prosperity and peace and they’re willing to do almost anything to get it. Millions of women worldwide have been victims of the old Dominance Model.

And now it’s time for new thinking; new action; new strategies that work. It’s time for kindness, caring, and collaboration.

If you believe in these principles then an appropriate question is, “What’s next?” And a congruent action step is to gather with those who care deeply about the future and are willing to:

1. Create in-country roundtable discussions where participants of varying social and economic status meet and discuss solutions within the context of the Collaboration Model.
2. Dialogue among nations at semi-annual conferences where every country is represented.
3. Create grassroots and government support for the Collaboration Model.

The obvious challenge with discussions that involve participants from different backgrounds and cultures is the problem of differing perspectives. Indeed, cultural differences, religious differences, etc. pose a threat to the success of the proposed roundtable discussions and international dialogues. However, if our desire for peace is strong enough, and if participants can agree on long-term goals, healthy discussions in countries around the world about how to accomplish our common goals can be successful. How strong is our desire for peace?

Old thinking assumes that top-down control will inevitably continue, but history proves that model is broken. New thinking leads to partnerships and to policies that value people and their needs. And that model works. It’s time for new thinking.

I believe that the individuals, families, businesses, and nations that adopt and adhere to the Collaboration Model will not only enjoy increased prosperity, they will help lift the level of love and peace on earth in powerful ways, never before witnessed in the history of the world.