The document discusses the concept of collaboration in business, where 1 + 1 equals 3 rather than 2. Collaboration focuses on new ideas, letting go of control, and creating a better solution for all involved. It starts with discomfort but ends with group creation. Cooperation focuses on compromise and incremental change. The document argues that collaboration and the ability to develop new perspectives and actions separates industry leaders from followers. It lists connectivity, simplicity, and agility as key factors for a future-focused, collaborative culture. Connectivity involves breaking down walls through quality relationships. Simplicity removes structures that obstruct and speaks in a common language. Agility allows for fluid movement and performance with a clear purpose.

1. Collaboration: 1 + 1 = 3
Yes, that’s the definition in mathematical terms, which may explain why it’s hard for
the financial industry to grasp. In the Accounting and Finance areas, it certainly
wouldn’t be accepted, the numbers are black and white. Yet this equation is numbers
plus, and needed for business collaboration and successful change.
Collaboration is co-creating a better solution through people, concepts and newer,
effective actions. Notice I didn’t say cooperation.
 Collaboration focuses on new ideas and letting go of control. The better
solution is the gain for everyone. It starts with discomfort zone and ends with
group creation.
 Cooperation focuses on compromise, preservation and incremental change. It
starts with comfort zone and ends with discomfort, based on what was
sacrificed. Cooperation is 1 + 1 = 2 because its known and understood by all.
Collaboration and the ability to develop new thoughts, better perspective and action
is smart and hard work. In the new knowledge economy, this approach separates
the industry leaders from the followers and eventual “fade aways”.
The financial world today needs the X factor, the extra (exclamation) point that
business is social. Collaboration is value plus and the result of a social purpose
(financial wellness), agility to make it happen, and sustainable financial
performance for those served.
Who are you? What describes your culture and operating strategy? Fit and active?
Sluggish and out of balance?
Do the math and show the work with these 3 must haves for a future focused,
present day culture of collaborative change.
1. Connectivity. Where it begins. It’s easier to connect processes, programs
and numbers. People, not so much. Direct correlation here in the human 2
human space. Engagement and relationship building correlates to financial
return. Build a process of quality time and investment in talent internally, as
well as the member owners. Who better to ask and grow than the team who
creates or receives the experience? Connectivity creates transparency and
better clarity, inside out and outside in. Break down those walls and silo’s.
2. Simplicity Remove walls and simplify the structures that obstruct or
confuse. Speak and listen in one common language to start. For executives,
work on basic math - prior to algebra and before calculus – for willing

2. students and partners for success. For operations, design with the end user
in mind. For the marketers, connect with both content and context. For the
team, determine what can be handled by technology and vendor/partners, so
strategic action is guided effectively. The other outcome? A Credit Union who
can focus forward and invest time in new project development. Careful
though, simplicity also means prioritizing – resources and projects – for
need and impact. Less is more. Spend quality time before the rush to add
quantity.
3. Agility Connectivity and Simplicity leads to agility. It’s the fluid movement of
a holistic system in operation. People, processes, partners, performance in
motion plus emotion (belief). This time with clarity of purpose and
performance. Disparate system syndrome minimized. Collaborative work
disruptions are now the new comfort (let’s solve the next story problem in
math class). Just like math, every year builds on the one before (except
trigonometry, IMO).
Now visualize the flow from agility back to connectivity and simplicity. Do this
workflow iteratively. Continually prepare better design, practice and test develop,
then provide “pop” quizzes for real commitment – for and from your team,
vendor/partners, shareholders and community.
Financial results are stronger and wiser with cultural support, smart and simple
solutions and an agile operating approach. Create this habit. Collaborative change is
the new constant. 1 + 1 does equal the power of 3.
by Lisa Kuhn Phillips
Lisa’s Bio:
Lisa is a 25 year financial service intrepreneur, progressive organizational strategist
and aligned culture catalyst. She is also president/founder of inavision, LLC, a
consulting firm specializing in Social Business Strategy and Transformation, by
designing culture and agile operations for performance results. Some of the services
Lisa provides include business model strategy, organizational transformation and
executive leadership guidance in the Social Era. Her website is
www.inavisionGo.com. You can also contact her at 260-437-0859 or
lisa@inavisionGo.com.