Cooperation is a chosen way of working together.  Co indicates “together” and operation is all about “function.”  Within cooperation relationships (the decisions about each other’s success) and functions (the associated tasks that prove the relationships) are exercised simultaneously, support one another, and produce beneficial results.

     Impediments to cooperation are easily seen.  Among the road blocks:

1. Hidden agendas
2. Covert conversations flourishing in gossip and gratified with destruction
3. Stove pipes, edifices of isolationism where people dwell and contribute little to the success of others, where turf protection is the primary goal
4. Negative attitudes
5. Nitpicking, petty criticism
6. Whining
7. Intimidation
8. Manipulation
9. Attention grabbing (selfishness)
10. Over-inflated egos usually born of insecurity

      Cooperation exists when impediments are replaced by superior attitudes and action. Consider the opposites to the above:

1. Open communication
2. Up-front problem resolution where people take issues to the ones who should hear them
3. Sharing
4. Positive atmospheres
5. Building up team members
6. Winning
7. Encouragement
8. Learning and modeling superior methods, congratulating results
9. Not caring who gets the credit
10. Personal dignity and healthy pride in others’ successes

     Is creating an environment of cooperation worth the effort?  For any team who tries it and changes their behaviors for the better, yes.