Meditations on workplace collaboration

In an increasingly online and fast-paced workplace, effective collaboration is crucial for success. I have recently been reading Meditations, a collection of writings by Marcus Aurelius, the Roman emperor and philosopher, which are a series of personal writings that can, if you so choose, serve as something of a self-improvement manual. One quote struck me as a valuable insight on how to embrace positive collaboration at work:

Do your best to convince them. But act on your own, if justice requires it. If met with force, then fall back on acceptance and peaceability. Use the setback to practise other virtues. Remember that our efforts are subject to circumstances; you weren’t aiming to do the impossible. Aiming to do what, then? To try. And you succeeded. What you set out to do is accomplished.

A key element of collaboration is communication, which involves sharing ideas and convincing others of their merits. To promote productive teamwork, we should strive to articulate our thoughts clearly, listen actively to our peers, and engage in constructive discussions. However, there are times when consensus is not achievable, and we must act independently. In such cases, it is helpful to remain focused on the broader goals of the team and be willing to let go. Our personal actions are never more important than the group's integrity.

Collaboration in teams is not without its challenges, and we will all sometimes encounter resistance and opposition. Marcus Aurelius advocates for falling back on acceptance and peaceability when met with force. This approach emphasises the need for patience, humility, and diplomacy in resolving conflicts. By maintaining a calm and composed demeanour, individuals can prevent unnecessary escalation and foster a supportive environment conducive to problem-solving and collective decision-making.

Setbacks are inevitable in any collaborative endeavour, but Marcus Aurelius teaches us to use them as opportunities to practise other virtues. Instead of dwelling on failures or assigning blame, we should embrace challenges as learning experiences and sources of growth. By developing resilience, adaptability, and empathy, we can better contribute to our team’s overall success and become more effective collaborators.

Furthermore, he reminds us that our efforts are subject to circumstances and that we cannot achieve the impossible. This notion underscores the importance of setting realistic expectations and understanding the constraints that may impact our collective performance. By acknowledging these limitations, we can spend our time more effectively, prioritise tasks, and remain focused on achievable goals.

Lastly, Marcus Aurelius emphasises the value of effort, stating that what we set out to do is accomplished if we try. This highlights the importance of celebrating individual and collective efforts, even if the desired outcome is not fully realised. Recognizing the hard work, dedication, and perseverance of each contributor can foster a positive and motivating atmosphere, encouraging all of us to continue striving for success.

Collaborating productively in teams is an essential skill in today's world. By taking inspiration from Marcus Aurelius's Meditations, we can learn valuable lessons on communication, conflict resolution, embracing setbacks, setting realistic expectations, and celebrating effort. By incorporating these principles into our collaborative endeavours, we can create more effective, harmonious, and successful teams.