Hamilton, COVID-19, and Collaboration

Slight Spoiler Alert: As indicated in the title, I will be referencing the show 'Hamilton.' If you have yet to see the Broadway musical, I suggest you get out from under your rock, launch Disney+, and watch it. Like, right now. It is a masterpiece and I want you to read my blog. I'll wait...

(waiting)

...welcome back. Wasn't it incredible! On to the blog.

"It must be nice, it must be nice, to have Washington on your side," Thomas Jefferson and Aaron Burr sing together. They are referencing Alexander Hamilton's relationship with George Washington. The moment is a crescendo of their disdain for Hamilton, a culmination of scenarios in which Hamilton always seems to come out on top despite being a young immigrant with a loud mouth. How could someone like this triumph over more worthy patriots? They conclude his success comes solely because of Washington's endorsement.

They certainly have a point. History is crystal clear on Washington's esteemed reputation, meaning his support carried weight. An endorsement from the war general turned President was a game changer. Would Hamilton have done so well without, 'Washington on his side?' It is hard to imagine. Jefferson and Burr's chorus echos true: Hamilton needed Washington.

But Washington needed Hamilton too.

He needed Hamilton's skill with the pen. Not only did Washington need Hamilton, but he also needed Jefferson, and Burr, and James Madison, and John Adams. What could Washington have accomplished without strategic partnerships such as these? Even apart from the influential founding fathers, Washington needed troops and a people to lead. You hardly have a country if you don't have citizens or a way to defend them. Washington needed many people, just as many people needed Washington.

The power of collaboration has become so apparent to me during this pandemic. I thought I knew how much I needed my community before. But this season is proving a greater depth to the reliance I have on others. Take my co-workers for example; the wonderful people who battle with me day in and day out to create Three Tree Coffee. Their creativity and motivation to see our business through the most treacherous economic waters our world has ever seen is absolutely inspiring. Or consider the numerous customers who have gone out of their way to support us during this time. You hardly have a business if you don't have patrons or a team to serve them.

How could I have made it through this without my wife? She is the one who sees through the mask straight to my brokenness. Who else could I have cried with, vented frustrations with, prayed with, and healed with?

It is nice to have Anna on my side.

These sorts of partnerships are vital for growth. Collaboration is obviously important for success, but nothing about 2020 has been about success. This season has been about loss, failure and restoration. Healthy inter-dependency is a prerequisite not just to SUCCEED but to SURVIVE.

"It must be nice, it must be nice, to have Washington on your side," the two enemies sing in unison, finding commonality with a familiar foe in Hamilton (only to ironically seek out his recommendation immediately proceeding this song). How funny. They need Hamilton, their enemy.

It must be nice, it must be nice, to have an adversary on your side.

I've witnessed this as well in the early months of our global health crisis. Where once competition stood, collaboration arose instead. Communities were gathering together (figuratively, of course) to help one another. Unlikely partnerships formed in politics, entertainment and in our own coffee business. New life seemed to be coming from death.

Sadly, this sense of unity is fading quick, like Burr's desire for Hamilton's approval. Was it just a fad; another addition to the topics that trend temporarily? What happened to the teamwork mentality?

I beg you to humbly recall the value of collaboration. I'm talking politics, education, race, and public health. We need a renewed vision for strategic (not selfish) partnerships. Collaboration is key to not just succeed, but to survive.

It IS nice to have others on your side.