What is Co-opetition?
Grow Greatly
Whether it’s monopoly, a pick-up game of basketball, or a national competition I have always been a competitive person. While I have always been competitive, I have also always enjoyed playing the game. Win or lose I always looked back and as long as I tried my hardest I had no remorse. I even made friends with my competition and looked forward to the next time we took the field together. It was the start of what I call co-opetition.
Co-opetition is when you support the success of another person even if they are competition. This cooperative mindset leads to an abundance mentality. It is about challenging one another to get better, sharing best practices, and realizing that the member/customer is the winner. It’s more about “us” and less about “you”. I was able to do this recently as part of the top 15 for the CUES Next Top Credit Union Executive competition. Noel Sanger a peer from United Federal Credit Union was also in the top 15. While we were in direct competition, we were also teammates. I love Noel’s project and I want to share what I have learned from my co-opetition.
- Inspiration
All too often people take a job for the wrong reason. Usually it is for pay or for a title. In Noel’s project it is more about the daily experience. It is about challenging yourself and not allowing complacency to steal your passion. Inspiration comes in many forms. In reading Noel’s blog reminded me of my inspiration, which comes from an inner desire to make a difference in the lives of others. If your inspiration has dulled over time, dust it off and renew it daily. Not only will you inspire yourself but also those around you!
- Advocacy:
Just thinking about inspiration I am ready to tell the next person I see how much I love what I do! Which leads right to Noel’s second point and that is advocacy. Advocacy is not a pre rehearsed elevator speech to sell something. Advocacy is a constant; it is your passion and purpose overflowing into every conversation. In Noel’s blog he says “How many stories can you share about going above and beyond for a member? I bet you just smiled and thought… tons!”. Mix one part inspiration, one part advocacy, and you are likely drawing excitement form those around you to learn more.
- Mentorship:
Through the NTCUE competition Noel and I spent time together talking about our projects. We invested in one another in co-opetition. We shared past experiences with one another. Together we transferred wisdom and best practices. Mentorship is a multiplier, get connected with one and be multiplied.
The reason I believe in Noel’s project is because I have seen it firsthand. He is an inspired executive that believes in the credit union movement. He walks out his passion and he is always willing to take time to listen and to share from his experiences. He is also eager to learn and be mentored. I wish Noel the best of luck in the top 5 and believe his project will make a significant impact and help people to #growgreatly
Check out more of Noel’s blog below. Remember sharing is caring, so view, share, and #growgreatly!
http://www.nexttopcreditunionexec.com/blog/2014-applicant-noel-sanger
http://www.nexttopcreditunionexec.com/blog/the-3-components-critical-to-the-credit-union-movement
http://www.nexttopcreditunionexec.com/blog/inspirational-leadership-the-start-of-the-movement