Don’t real men know when to collaborate or be in competition?

Bill & NickCollaborate: 1. To work together, especially in joint intellectual effort.

Competition: 1. The act of competing as for profit or a prize. 2. A test of skill or ability. 3. Rivalry between two or more businesses striving for the same customers and market

 

 Had several meetings with business partners last week. One of the best was with Larry Umphrey, Director of Recreation Centers and Programs at the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board. I ran into the Assistant Superintendent, J. Nicholas Williams, in between meetings.

I noticed him preparing for a meeting that day. He was dressed in a nice looking suit and beautiful bow tie.

“Bill, please come in. How are things going?  Please let me know if you need any assistance from me.”

Being a business owner since 1997 I’ve reflected on many potential successful relationships that could have been successful.  Our male egos got in the way!  Competition became the focal point and collaboration didn’t have a chance. I’ve learned over the years to seek cooperation and use competition when its appropriate. Competition. Talking trash to my golfing buddies on the first tee box!

As men we are naturally competitive. It’s one of the characteristics that make us who we are.

Our collaboration serves thousands of youth and adults yearly in our computer centers in the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board public parks.

 

Wouldn’t you agree that knowing when to seek collaboration or when to compete would enhance male and female relationships?

Can teaching youth and young adults entrepreneurship be a job creator?

BillRoddy_ManhoodFTHood_FBArt_61913_42Wouldn’t it be terrific if entrepreneurship was taught starting in elementary school?

Osiris Organization has witnessed the remarkable benefits of teaching young adults how to become entrepreneurs.

Being a part of their awakening as they learn about business structures, marketing, selling, fiscal responsibility and the creation of the their legacies that they will eventually pass down their children.

As a social entrepreneur, I enjoy growing and learning along with them.  They have become confidants, business partners, wonderful husbands and fathers.

I enjoy listening to their aspirations regarding the legacy they want to leave their young families.

An article in the USA Today by Rick C. Wade highlights much of what we been teaching youth.  Our young adults become the creators of jobs for their community and peers!

http://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2013/07/28/hip-hop-business-jay-z-master-p-column/2594409/

Couldn’t our present education system learn from young entrepreneurs?

Wouldn’t it make a difference to students in our schools across our country if young entrepreneurs and our school system formed collaborations?

I hope you find Rick’s article as informative and thought provoking as I have.