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A formula for co-operation we can’t afford to ignore

To mark the beginning of the first-ever Co-operatives Fortnight running to 3 July 2010, I launched the first global ‘formula for co-operation’.

The ‘formula for co-operation’ reveals the attributes and qualities needed by organisations, businesses and governments seeking to harness the potential of co-operation.

Working with leading innovations specialist, Ian McDermott from International Teaching Seminars and Jason Miller of Tinder-Box business coaching, we developed the formula for co-operation, Sc* (Ci + Mt) = Co. And of course, the principles developed by the Rochdale Pioneers over 166 years ago are integral to the formula.

The pioneering formula is the result of an extensive study into the seven principles of the co-operative movement. It determines the components of shared commitment, common interest and mutual trust needed for co-operation to occur in both an organisation and an individual.

Co-operation lies at the heart of all collaborative achievement. Three elements are essential for successful co-operation and when all three elements of shared commitment, common interest and mutual trust are present, something magical happens.

You get what economists call a multiplier effect: each multiplies the effect of the other two. The resulting co-operation is a rewarding experience whenever it happens and is remembered long after the moment of achievement has passed.

All three elements need to be lively if you’re going to get the most that is possible. So the formula means:

Co-operation is equal to shared commitment times the sum of common interest and mutual trust.

Having a common interest means you and others know what you want and that you can help each other. Anything that helps all concerned clarify what they’re after is going to be really useful.

However, unless you are able to actually trust the parties involved – and they trust you – progress will be difficult and subject to stops and starts. So knowing how to build trust is an essential skill to successful co-operation.

Finally if you’re going to make that intention happen you need to really care about it. You need to share that commitment and be passionate enough about it to engage others and attract their support.

The skills of co-operation are some of the most sought after skills in the 21st century – something we are currently seeing in the new coalition government.

All too often, competition and co-operation are seen as opposites. The reality is, that in order to compete effectively, we must co-operate. The lack of co-operation in the UK at present is costing £32bn; this is a formula that the UK economy can no longer afford to ignore and one my organisation, Co-operatives UK, will continue to highlight all year round.