Unified Strength: Harnessing the Potential of Collaboration
- Nathan Steenport
- Nov 11, 2023
- 2 min read

"If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together." – African Proverb
Is it genuinely possible to navigate life in complete solitude? Can one truly reach their full potential by venturing alone? Consider this: when do we ever truly operate in isolation? Daily, we are surrounded by individuals who, whether directly or indirectly, impart valuable lessons, just as we contribute to the learning of others, often unknowingly. Collaboration fosters a symbiotic environment where everyone learns and grows. It's challenging to pinpoint a specific instance of success where some level of collaboration hasn't played a role.
A Stanford study reveals that collaborative work can fuel intrinsic motivation. The study found that participants exhibited greater perseverance on challenging tasks, expressed increased interest and enjoyment, required less self-regulatory effort, performed better, and, when encouraged to connect this motivation to their values, chose to engage in related tasks weeks later. With such benefits, the power of collaboration becomes undeniable.
How does this relate to coaching? Coaches collaborate with their clients to extract the best from them, refraining from imposing personal opinions on tasks or goals. The belief is that every client possesses the capacity for growth and change aligned with their goals and values. Coaching enables clients to leverage their unique knowledge and skills, expediting growth through close collaboration. Each session starts with the client deciding what to discuss, and coaches employ profound questions to prompt critical thinking about their next steps. Some clients realize they're on the wrong path due to misalignment with their values, while others discover new perspectives through the coach's questions and observations.
You may already consider yourself at the peak of your capabilities, but are you truly there? Whether it's substantial decisions requiring thoughtful consideration or those demanding immediate resolution, a skilled coach can enhance your abilities. Coaching conversations empower clients to remain in the driver's seat, critically evaluating their path forward. For those skeptical of coaching's potential impact, there's a realization that "you don't know what you don't know." This thoughtful collaboration can substantially elevate who you aspire to be and where you aim to go. Prospective clients can experience it firsthand with a complimentary, one-hour exploratory session available through my webpage.












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