"Collaboration"

Collaboration can accomplish much while our tendencies for competition and conflict will often bring defeat, disconnect, and distancing. As you might notice the word carries the notion of "co" (two or more in relationship) and labor (extending effort toward a desired outcome).  When you think about it, two in a collaborative effort can accomplish much, much more than two who are divided from one another.

It is a great strategy for sorting out misunderstanding and difference--for understanding and connecting with others.  Much can be accomplished with "Got a minute to visit?" or "Help me understand..." or "I have a problem and I think you have the answer."  The alternative is the typical confrontational "you" message which because it is often the result of increased emotions, is fraught with the potential for spawning greater misunderstanding and disconnect.

Of recent date there lived nearby a man who struggled with his sense of self worth.  The outcome was that when there was a neighborhood issue that involved him, he resorted to confrontation and conflict as opposed to collaboration.  His sensitivities were such that even to befriend one with whom he had conflict brought about his rejection and that at times was overt.   Thus, he had offended all in the neighborhood except for one person.  It was that neighbor who enlisted the man's help in a particularly difficult situation.  The approach was collaborative and led to a reasonable relationship.  The wisdom of the one neighbor to seek collaboration carried the day when all else was perceived as personal attack and thus failed.  That one neighbor was a lifeline for the man who rejected all others and in turn was rejected by them.

Collaboration does require wisdom and effort but has advantages without number.

Collaboration can enlist another in a cause greater than each could accomplish on his own.
Collaboration can clear up misunderstanding.
Collaboration can resolve small issues before they become major conflicts.
Collaboration can create understanding where none existed.
Collaboration can adjust one's false assumptions.
Collaboration can make friendships out of conflicted relationships.
Collaboration can cement relationships.

Confrontation on the other hand has the opposite effect and it does not travel alone but brings with it defensiveness, distancing, defeat, and even a "win at any cost" attitude.