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Teamwork vs. Individualism: The Story of a Failed Collaborative Dream
In many developed nations, teamwork is the key to growth and progress. Yet, in our society, a culture of individualism still holds an unwritten dominance over collective structures. Too often, “sympathy” is confused with “collaboration.” Rallying around a common goal remains a challenge, and sustaining that unity is even more difficult.
The experience shared in this article is not just a personal memory or a single story. It represents hundreds of failed attempts to build a collaborative economic structure; a recurring tale of hope, collective decision-making, half-hearted participation, and gradual erosion.
🏗️ The Story of a Cooperative and the Dream of Unity
Between 2009 and 2010, the idea of forming a national trade cooperative for professionals in a specific field took shape. It was a grand vision to create synergy through shared capital, experience, and a collective future.
Nearly half of the professionals in the industry came on board. To put this in perspective, at a time when a 100-square-meter apartment in Tehran cost around 30 million Tomans, it was agreed that each member would contribute 20 million Tomans for a single share, payable either upfront or over six months.
The initial participation was remarkable, with about half the companies in the sector joining. The board of directors began its meetings, and an interim CEO was appointed to get the structure off the ground. But this is where the problems began. Expert-backed recommendations for a permanent CEO were rejected, and the interim CEO remained in place.
Years passed, and various boards came and went. Decisions were often reactionary, based on short-term circumstances. There was a lack of foundational, long-term strategy; the focus was always on “what can we do now to turn a profit?”
Today, based on the latest updates, the company is nothing more than a legal entity on paper, burdened with significant VAT debt. The members are now struggling to dissolve it, and if they don’t receive a tax amnesty, they will all have to pay the penalties out of their own pockets.
❗️ Why Did It Come to This?
The call for teamwork is not new. So why do some structures, launched with genuine participation and human capital, ultimately meet such a fate?
The reasons are bitter but clear:
- A Lack of Genuine Commitment to Teamwork: In the minds of many, the final decision still “belongs to one person.” Even in a group setting, we often seek approval rather than building consensus.
- Weak Oversight from Members: When expert opinions are ignored and there is no accountability, the structure gradually loses its strength and purpose.
- Prioritizing Relationships Over Rules: The processes for appointments and decisions were driven by personal connections rather than competence and merit.
✅ The Clear Message from This Experience:
Teamwork is not merely about gathering together; it’s about accepting collective responsibility, ensuring structured decision-making, and maintaining transparency throughout the process.
If we truly believe in building a collaborative economy, we must learn that:
- Group decisions require clear and established rules.
- Leaders in collaborative ventures must be chosen based on merit, not expediency or personal ties.
- Collaboration without mechanisms for feedback and correction is merely “teamwork in appearance.”
💬 An Invitation to Dialogue:
📢 Have you had a similar experience?
What strategies do you suggest for building a successful cooperative or collaborative structure?
Have you ever successfully broken this cycle of failure?