Albert Einstein, in photos, is often depicted as working alone in a studio with a busy blackboard behind, full of equations and ideas. However, Einstein collaborated with many others throughout his career. The same is true for films. At the end of a movie (if you stick around), you will always see a long list of credits, showing how many people contributed to the final product. Even the simplest building requires a wide range of professionals, from architects to electricians and carpenters, to stand it up properly. Teamwork is a crucial step toward achieving your goals 

Collaboration can refer to seeking help from hundreds of people to complete a huge corporate merger or just asking your neighbour for a lift to the shops. At one end of the spectrum is you, working completely alone on a goal or problem. In the middle are collaborators who have joined together with shared goals, like two authors co-writing a book. And at the other end of the spectrum, you might be working entirely within someone else’s vision, offering your skills and expertise to help them achieve their goals. Every job you ever take will be a mix or a version sitting somewhere on this spectrum.

Whenever you engage in a collaboration, it’s important to create synergy by bringing together different skill sets. The foundation of any collaboration is a clear vision of the goal that both parties (or multiple parties) can see and understand. A shared vision helps you get the support, feedback and resources necessary to reach the goal. A successful vision isn’t concrete. Indeed, it will often require flexibility. It’s important to allow any idea to evolve through feedback as it bounces off the hard walls of reality. I’ve had ideas that were improved dramatically after an expert gave me feedback. Collaboration isn’t just sticking to your initial idea, but rather letting others help shape and enhance it.

If you’re considering collaboration on a project or goal, it’s essential to develop a clear picture of what you’re looking for in an ideal partner. What skills, values and life outlook should they display? For example, I make it a point to only work with people who are happy and ethical and only bring positive energy to the table. Years ago, when I needed to find a new speaking partner, and remembered a guy who owned the gym where I worked out. We had only exchanged quick greetings like “What’s up, bro?” but I liked his energy. When I asked him to collaborate, it turned into a long-term partnership that has grown into both a business relationship and a deep friendship. That’s the power of collaboration — it can lead to synergies you didn’t anticipate.

Shared ethics are also key to a healthy and successful collaboration. Different viewpoints can strengthen collaboration, sure. But some things shouldn’t be debated. For instance, a colleague of mine once proposed an idea that didn’t quite sit right with my ethical boundaries. It wasn’t something I was willing to compromise on. I learned that there were some things we could collaborate on and other things we shouldn’t. My wife and I have very similar viewpoints about how to raise our boys, and there are some things that are simply understood. We don’t agree on everything, but most of our ideals are mutual.

Every relationship is a two-way street. So, if you want to work with people who can help you succeed, you need to be the kind of person they want in their lives as well. For example, if you want to be part of a power couple, you need to bring something to the table, such as a thriving career or a prestigious life goal. Investment providers may not even agree to meet with you in the same room unless you meet their specific criteria. To collaborate successfully, you must understand what others expect from you and then meet those expectations.

From day one of collaboration, it’s important to set expectations and revisit them regularly. Some collaborations require constant interaction, while others might only need occasional check-ins. But not everyone will meet you exactly where you are, and that’s okay. The key is finding where you fit best together and building on that shared space. Remember that as much as you rely on others to achieve your goals, they also rely on you. That’s the essence of collaboration — it’s a mutual effort that benefits everyone involved.

Collaboration isn’t just a buzzword drawn from under the fluorescent lights of the corporate office world; it’s a powerful strategy for achieving goals. Collaboration is often the fastest way to open doors and create opportunities that wouldn’t exist otherwise. Only by understanding what you bring to the table and being clear about your expectations can you create the kinds of partnerships that lead to lasting success.