THE VALUE OF COOPERATION

THE VALUE OF COOPERATION

Whenever we do something together, or when an objective cannot be achieved individually, we need to cooperate. The word cooperation derives from the Latin prefix “co”, meaning “with” or “together”, and “operari”, meaning “to work”. When we cooperate, we work together for a common purpose; we share our knowhow, talents, skills, inspiration, perspective and creativity, and our good will to work with others. Cooperation is an attitude which allows differences to flow in the same direction, leading to mutual enrichment, as one endeavours towards the achievement of a common goal, to which one has committed oneself as a member of a team. The acrostic T.E.A.M. (Together Everyone Achieves More), beautifully resumes the scope of cooperation, and echoes with the equally renowned sayings:  "Teamwork divides the task and multiplies the success”, and “There is strength in union”.

In the context of Sathya Sai Education the value of Cooperation not only implies the capacity to work together to achieve a common goal, but to do so with full respect of the five Human Values. Like the five fingers of the hand, the five Human Values cannot be separated, they work together, they cooperate.

When the good intentions of a team or group of people, (i.e., any given social unit starting from the family) are aimed at a noble purpose, they activate the energy of Love that spontaneously begins to guide one’s thoughts, words and actions; and when one’s motivation is supported by the drive of pure Love the results we obtain are outstanding. Not only is the outer goal successfully met, but something far superior is achieved as well: a sense of inner security and self-confidence, which saturate our hearts and minds with serenity and joy.

In a world in which competition and competitiveness are present since the early years of school, it becomes imperative to foster a spirit of cooperation and good team skills starting from the very young, by putting the accent on cooperation. The capability to cooperate implies being aware of one’s abilities and offering them unconditionally to contribute to the well-being of everyone and the achievement of the group objective. A process of good cooperation can be so embracing that no one is left behind; everyone supports one another by sharing knowledge and experience unconditionally; it is an exercise in synthesis through which one learns to merge the various contributions into a group decision or a group plan of action. When all team members are motivated to bring forth their invaluable qualities, one learns to appreciate working together.

By cooperating, the skill to know what is needed to work efficiently in a team is also enhanced. This means accepting the different roles that are required to structure and combine efforts in a clear and functional way. Likewise, it involves abiding by those rules and regulations that are necessary, and that the team willingly agrees to accept. Values such as mutual respect and trust are kindled by the harmony, friendship and the loving attitude that good cooperation thrives on. By splitting responsibilities the members of one’s team freely contribute without being weighed down by the anxiety of intellectual ability or skill performance, because “if everyone helps to hold up the sky, then one person does not become tired.” (African proverb).

Walking along the path of healthy and wholesome cooperation we become more elastic, humble and inclusive, for our capacity of comprehension expands with the understanding of others. We realise how a cooperative social system can achieve common goals, and improve relationships, as we become conscious that “our differences matter, but our common humanity matters more.” (Bill Clinton).

The diamond wonderfully illustrates the blossoming of the value of cooperation, which flourishes on true, heartfelt unity. As the different views and perspectives merge, represented by the outer facets of the jewel, they themselves reinforce and support a common vision, represented by the brilliance of the upper facet of the gem. In truth, this facet is so luminous that it reflects each individual segment bringing them to Oneness. In this light the achievements of good cooperation and teamwork belong to no one in particular but to the whole team. The joy and gratitude that stems from this shared success expands, bringing new inspiration, motivation, and a deep sense of communion. 

WHY COOPERATIVE GAMES VS/COMPETITIVE GAMES

“I love cooperative games! We don’t have to cheat! We don’t even think about cheating!” (7 year old student).  

“Cooperation is the ability to participate in a group as an individual who provides his/her personal qualities and skills without competition, as one more "brushstroke” in the beauty of the "picture" that all the people belong to and are composing”. (Emilio Arranz Beltrán, Asociación “Educar en la Noviolencia”)

Cooperative games and group activities in which everyone has the opportunity to contribute and play together, are a very good tool to help experience the benefits of this important Human Value, at the same time nurturing self-observation and self-control.

The ability to work together is latent in all human beings, yet as it happens comparisons with others can at times lead us off track, giving rise to negative feelings such as envy, greed, pride and jealousy. Children, facilitated by the teacher, parent or adult caretaker, understand how these feelings can be an obstacle and need to be overcome and transformed to reap the fruits of having a good time together and performing an activity successfully. In a cooperative approach no one is the winner, no one is more important, influential, intelligent, creative, etc. than the others, but all participants are valued for their unique and special qualities, each important to complete the process and “finish the game”.

To emphasise value-based cooperation is extremely important as one needs to understand that we do not cooperate to achieve just anything which might be base, immoral or unwholesome. Thoughts, feelings and actions need to be aligned and uplifted through the practice of Human Values, and it is the fabric of a similar character which makes the difference. Thus, children learn that that they can cooperate by enforcing Human Values, which in turn encourage the emergence of integrity and Self-confidence.

It goes without saying that the value of cooperation is an essential life skill that children need and will always need and use at home, at school, and in their social interaction in general. By cooperating they learn that together they have fun, and reach their goals more easily, compared to when they work or play on their own. This understanding is the foundation for all future projects that will mould their environment, create a harmonious global culture and a future living together.

The father, his sons and the bundle of sticks (AESOP)

A father was overwhelmed by his sons constant bickering. One day he summoned them, asking them to bring in a bundle of sticks, and said to his eldest son: “Break it.”

The son strained and strained, but with all his efforts was unable to break the bundle. The other sons also tried, but no one succeeded.

“Untie the bundle,” said the father, “and each of you take a stick.” When they had done so, he told them: “Now, break it,” and each stick was easily broken.

“My dear sons”, said the man. “Behold the power of unity! If, in the same way, you will keep yourselves tightly joined by the bond of friendship, trust and love, nothing will ever come between you or hurt you, but if you are divided and let negative emotions overpower you, sooner or later you will be torn apart for ever, and broken like these sticks.

It is the breach of unity that puts the world and all that’s in it, in a state of separation, conflict and war turning every man’s hand against his own brother, but when unity prevails, and you work as one, its bond will uphold the strength of all the parts and you will be invincible.