“A group of people sharing a common goal can achieve the impossible.“
I start with this statement to discuss a theme that means a lot to me and that I often find myself reflecting on.
In the world of business, just like in sports, success is rarely the result of solo actions. Collaboration and professional relationships have always been essential to achieve ambitious goals. From my reflections, one key concept has emerged: the support team is essential for any project, and I can say with certainty that it’s not just about having different skills but also about sharing the same core values.
Whether it’s suppliers, investors, or collaborators, the choice of these allies can mean the difference between success and failure. Before committing to a collaboration, it’s essential to dig deep to understand the values that drive our partners. What motivates them every day? What is their vision of success?
When a partner’s values align with ours, synergy between both parties becomes immediately evident. This alignment facilitates communication and collaboration and creates a work environment where both parties can thrive. For example, a supplier committed to environmental sustainability can collaborate more effectively with a company that shares the same goal. This way, not only does it improve the supply chain, but it also fosters collaborative dynamics based on effective communication. In practice, you and your partners speak the same language.
The professional network
This same logic can be applied within companies when talking about the team. A cohesive workgroup in which members share common values is likely to achieve better results compared to a team where there are frequent disagreements. Each team member should clearly understand the common goals and work toward a shared objective. When team members are united by common values, motivation grows, a trusting environment is created, and overall performance improves.
There was a moment when I heard this thought expressed in a very interesting interview with Paris Smith, CEO of Pinnacle.
She enthusiastically shares how professional challenges, achievements, and so forth have been the result of fortunate collaborations. Paris started in the industry 25 years ago, beginning with an entry-level role in Antigua at one of the first bookmakers. Thanks to the rapid growth of the business and her expertise, she progressed from an operator to marketing director and eventually vice president, focusing on the importance of customer service over simple bookmaking.
From the start, Paris worked in environments that preferred to hire women for their reliability and attention to customer service, in an industry dominated by men. However, she never focused on her gender identity as a limiting or defining factor in her career. What mattered instead was that these people shared the same ideals and company values.
The importance of carefully choosing professional partners
I could delve into this topic extensively because I believe shared values are essential, something to nurture and a rewarding theme to discuss.
In my view, the main benefits of building a strong professional network are:
- Value and vision synergy: Pursuing alignment in values and corporate vision ensures that strategic decisions are supported by a shared culture. Having partners who understand and respect the company’s mission allows for a more harmonious and goal-oriented collaboration.
- Complementary skills: A good partner brings expertise that complements and enhances one’s own. Working with those who have specific knowledge or experience in different fields can strengthen market position and expand innovation opportunities.
- Reliability and transparency: Establishing trust and clear communication helps avoid misunderstandings and promotes quick problem resolution. Reliable partners improve the quality of results and reduce the risk of disputes or project disruptions.
- Long-term sustainability: Collaborating with partners who are focused on building long-term relationships allows for mutual growth over time. When there’s a shared perspective on long-term growth, collaborations can turn into true strategic alliances that foster stability and continuous innovation.
- Efficiency and resource savings: Working with partners with a well-organized operational structure can enhance business efficiency.
- Innovation and flexibility: Surrounding oneself with people who can bring new ideas, technologies, or working methodologies is perhaps the greatest advantage. The combination of diverse perspectives stimulates innovation and enables better adaptation to market changes.
At the core of everything are values
It’s not just a strategic or professional matter: having people around with whom to share ideas, perspectives, and values is a crucial lever for building a solid and resilient business.
I couldn’t imagine it any other way.
