Friday, October 19, 2007

Alex Malliaris - Chapter 4

How does coopetition work?

Coopetition blends competition and cooperation in a way that benefits both parties. In our individualistic society people tend to think that they can do whatever they're doing best by themselves. But, when one is able to recognize the strengths he/she possesses and join forces with another whose strengths are complimentary, an even better outcome will result. This way, the whole can be greater than the sum of its parts.


"Very often there is a stark contrast between the tumultuous path we travel in life and the story we tell about the journey."

Karl Weick has appropriately called this phenomenon retrospective sense making. We do things in life, often impulsively, and then in hidsight are able to make explanations for our decisions. It is often difficult to fess up to the fact that we make choices without thinking very deeply about them. Perhaps a frustrating quarter or a bad day has gotten a person down and causes him to want to throw in the towel on school. Steve Jobs did just that and has ended up just fine. In fact, he is one of the best respected businessmen in the nation. You never know where life will take you.

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