Cooperative Teamwork

Considerations in cooperation vs competition

Tree Communication

Until recently the predominant assumption was that trees compete for sunlight. This has been proven wrong. Now we know trees work together as a community. They have lively two-way conversations and share information with each other. As we zoom out to understand the significance of this research we discuss “Survival of the Fittest” as the dominant ideology and challenge participants to consider their unconscious bias. We consider alternative ways to view both the natural world and modern economic process that involve more teamwork and a community-focused mindset.

The content of this workshop was written by Heather Pelletier and developed using the research of Suzanne Simard, Peter Wohlleben, Brene Brown, Adam Grant, Brad Shuck, and more.

Duration:

  • 2 Hours

Location:

  • Choose a park near you anywhere in the world

Group Size:

  • Max 50 at one location at one time

  • Use multiple locations for larger groups

Format Options:

  • In-Person, virtual, or hybrid

  • Facilitators can be in-person or remote

Outcomes:

  • Discuss what it means to cultivate relationships that are flexible, resilient, and reciprocal.

  • Considerations in a shift of mindset from competition as a core cultural value to one of cooperation.

  • Generate new ideas inspired by forest systems using a holistic approach while collaborating with your colleagues.