Earlier this week, I read a brilliant line in an odd little book that has stuck with me ever since.

Here's the line:
 

“If we are to achieve the quantum leaps the future seems to be demanding of us, we must risk to leave our containers-turned-cages and find the grace to dance without stepping on toes. Others, or our own.”

The odd little book in question is Orbiting the Giant Hairball by Gordon MacKenzie -- "A Corporate Fool's Guide to Surviving with Grace."

I feel confident stating that even its most ardent fans wouldn't object to it being called "odd."

It is unlike any reading experience I've ever had with a supposed business book, what with its ubiquitous illustrations, short parables, and intimate tone. Which is why, in this case, calling it "odd" is just shorthand for saying that it is unique in a profound and meaningful way.

And the line above is a great example.

It stood out to me because it is beautifully written, and, more importantly, because it ties into the concepts of intellectual humility and collaboration that we explored in a recent newsletter celebrating the work of Ed Hess.

By now, we can all plainly recognize that the quantum leaps we've seen in technology over the past decade are merely a precursor to even larger leaps to come. And if we are to survive, let alone thrive, in such an environment, we simply cannot allow something like a job description or old modes of thinking to cage the way we approach our work or life. 

As MacKenzie implores, we must "find the grace to dance without stepping on toes."

What he means by this -- or at least what I take him to mean by this -- is that we must be able to collaborate effectively and think critically if we are going to be part of the solution moving forward, rather than a lingering source of the problem.

And to be clear:
 

• The problem is one-dimensional thinking and skills that can be outsourced to a robot.
• The solution is creative, strategic thinking and compassionate, reflective listening that can function in a variety of contexts in collaboration with diverse groups of people.

In fact, we believe so much in the importance of collaboration moving forward that we are crazy enough to rebuild the THINKERS App with an eye on making idea sharing and collaborating on ideas even better.

Because while an idea stays alive inside of a notebook, it spreads its wings and has a chance to fly, and maybe even change the world, when it is shared with others.

Which is where the dance comes in from MacKenzie's quote.

Anyone can collaborate. We all do it all the time. But it takes a particular mindset, one founded in humility, to collaborate well. 

Not only do we have to be willing to share our ideas, but we have to be willing to receive and consider the ideas of others. And what should we do if another idea fits a particular problem better? We should go with that idea, rather than stubbornly insisting our own -- even if doing so requires us to update something we believe.

That's the way to "find the grace to dance without stepping on toes."

If we aren't willing to challenge our own ideas and beliefs with other ideas, data, and evidence, then we're going to be stepping on toes all over the metaphorical dance floor -- others, and our own.

And while that may be a better way to protect a frail, insecure identity that is tied up in thoughtless beliefs that are strongly held, it's not the path to the kind of open-minded and reflective thinking that is defined by thoughtful opinions that are loosely held.

The former makes good collaboration impossible. The latter makes good collaboration inevitable.

So in that spirit, this week's THINKERS Roundup includes three links with ideas for how you can become a better collaborator and why it's so important to do so. 

But first, a quick update from inside the THINKERS Workshop, where two new event replays are now available -- including one that will help you become a better decision maker.