(First published November 2018)

Setting and accomplishing goals is often like competing in a marathon. There is a long-term stretch objective (running 26.2 miles – that’s a stretch!), a breakdown of smaller goals aligned with milestones (7 miles, , 16 miles, 21 miles), some transferable skills (fitness, tenacity) and continuous learning along the way (performance gels make me nauseous? try chews instead). Completing a marathon, like a goal, takes focus, agility and frequent feedback from a good coach. 

I recently ran two very different marathons – and discovered another critical aspect of the race that can make the difference between an agonizing experience and crossing the finish line with energy and a sense of accomplishment – teamwork. Many consider long distance running an individual sport, one in which the goal is to run against the clock, and yourself, to attain the fastest ever PR (personal record) score. This thinking aligns with the traditional approach to accomplishing performance goals in the workplace – my goal, regardless of my motivation, is planned and executed by me – right? Maybe not.

Is it possible that collaboration can help you achieve your goals, while improving the experience (and possibly the outcome)? I believe so. Several months back I met a fantastic running buddy, Becca, while running in a half marathon. We were running a similar pace and learned we were both in search of a training partner. So, we made a plan and started training for a marathon – Becca’s first. We spent many weekends together, putting in the miles, sharing stories, complaining about aches and pains. I shared my knowledge of eating, pace and porta potty strategy and Becca shared her uncontainable excitement. On race day, we spent the first 18 miles chatting and the miles flew by.  Then things got tough and Becca “hit the wall.” I immediately jumped into “distraction” mode – telling stories, singing camp songs and repeating positive mantras, “You got this,” “Wow, you are really doing great!” She got an energy burst and we crossed the finish line together – smiles on our faces. 

I can’t help but compare this to another race, a few months previous, that I ran alone. I was miserable, bored and counting down the miles, one painful minute at a time. My foot hurt, I was tired and the course seemed monotonous. I slowed my pace, knowing that I would finish, but not inspired to meet a time.

Although I finished both races, the experience and outcomes were vastly different. According to neuroscientist Dr. David Rock, connecting with others is one of the most human things we do. Studies also show that comforting others—and helping them through their experiences—can help us learn to better navigate our own stressful situations, which can overall improve our own emotional well-being. Upon reflection, all of my races in which I was able to encourage, cheer and inspire others were more enjoyable and often times, faster, than those that I ran alone. Desiree Linden, 2018 Boston marathon winner, had a similar experience when, halfway through the race – in awful weather – she helped fellow marathoner, Shalane Flanagan bridge back to the lead pack after a bathroom break. Desiree found a second wind and ultimately, won the race.

Can we take this idea of collaboration and apply it in the workplace? Can helping a co-worker achieve a goal help me achieve my own? Can sharing ideas lead to better outcomes? I think yes. More large organizations are shifting their approach to performance management away from competition and toward collaboration, rewarding employees who contribute to the success of others, in addition to achieving their own goals. When you face a huge challenge and “hit the wall” at work, consider looking outside yourself for inspiration. Next time a colleague asks you for your ideas or assistance and you are too busy running your own race, consider the benefits of lending a hand; you might be surprised by the result.