Co-opetition

If the title seems to be wrong, it’s not…I’m currently reading a book by the same name. It’s not a new book, but it is new to me (thanks, Mark Lawson for steering me to it…). The ideas espoused in the book are not new either, per se, because people who are competitive have been co-operating when it is in both parties’ best interest, for millenia, The authors, though, use game theory strategy to present their case for co-opetition being a valuable paradigm right now.

Which brings me to the point of the story. I’ve just returned from a week on the road. I chose to drive to Seattle because planes have become like flying Greyhound busses, and because it forces me to take something of a vacation. I went to Seattle to speak at the Christian Musician Summit, which is a great event. I encourage you all to attend if you can. See…there’s co-opetition…I just mentioned a competitor with whom I have a co-operative relationship.

Co-opetition is not just important in the world of business, though. I think it is a crucial strategy for ministry. I had a conversation this morning with Dwayne Moore of Next Level Worship in which he offered to let his network know about Creator because he thought we are doing something that those folks could benefit from. Because he reached out to me, I explored what he is doing, and that helps me let you know that I think he’s doing something worthwhile. Co-opetition.

At the local, congregational level, co-opetition might manifest itself in a church musician working together with the Christian Education department to put on an event for children. At the macro level, it might be the choir and band doing music together in a Sunday service. The possibilities are endless, but in order to co-opetitate, you need to look for ways to work together.

Go and do likewise this week…

Please leave a comment and let me know how you’ve been co-opetive this week….

Ipod shuffle status (What is this?): 4471 (Along Came Jones – The Coasters) of 7875

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