Collaboration as Glue: Building Better Together
When I decided to hire an Online Business Manager, my goal was simple: to free up space so I could expand my services, take bolder action, and stop trying to carry everything on my own.
What I didn’t expect was how much of a win-win the collaboration would become.
The more we worked together, the more I saw that this wasn’t just about outsourcing tasks: it was about building a partnership that allowed both of us to grow in ways we couldn’t have done alone.
The Conversation That Shifted My Perspective
Not long ago, after recommending her to a few colleagues, she laughed and said:
“You will be the reason I get to quit a bunch of stuff I don’t want to do anymore.”
Without hesitation, I replied:
“And you will be the reason I finally build the things I’ve been thinking about, but haven’t taken action yet.”
That back-and-forth lit something up for me.
It reminded me that the best collaborations don’t just lighten the load: they multiply the possibility.
Why Collaboration Works Best When It’s Mutual
Here’s the truth: collaboration should feel good for everyone involved. Too often, we treat support roles as transactional… just handing off tasks to check a box. But when collaboration is rooted in mutual benefit, it becomes something else entirely.
She wins because she gets to focus on the work that energizes her and let go of the rest.
I win because I get to stop spinning my wheels and finally move big ideas forward.
It’s a reminder that sometimes the “glue” isn’t just us holding others together - it’s the relationships that hold us up, too.
Letting Go To Grow
Here’s the part that many high-achievers struggle with (and yes, I’ve been there too): letting go.
We cling to the things that don’t serve us anymore… whether it’s tasks, habits, or the belief that we should be able to do it all ourselves. But letting go doesn’t mean failing. It means making room for something better.
By delegating, I gave myself back the freedom to dream, create, and build.
By saying yes to collaboration, I created space for growth that wouldn’t have happened if I kept white-knuckling everything on my own.
How to Make Collaboration a Win-Win
If you’re ready to find your own “glue,” here are a few things that helped me:
Be clear about your gaps. Ask yourself: What drains me? What slows me down? What’s been sitting on my “someday” list for too long?
Find someone whose strengths are your struggles. Collaboration works best when you complement each other.
Frame it as partnership, not delegation. Respect and trust fuel stronger, longer-lasting collaborations.
Celebrate the wins on both sides. Acknowledge what the other person is gaining, not just what you’re getting.
We’re the Glue For Each Other
We often think about being the glue for our teams, families, or organizations. But sometimes, the glue is found in the people who show up beside us, reminding us we don’t have to hold it all alone.
Collaboration isn’t just about efficiency. It’s about connection. It’s about building relationships where both sides grow stronger. And it’s about letting go of what no longer serves you so you can step boldly into what’s next.
So maybe the question isn’t: “Who can help me?”
The better question might be: “Who can I grow with?”
Because when collaboration is done right, we create momentum, possibility, and impact - together.
✨ Your turn: What’s one thing you’ve let go of that created space for real growth?
