We tout collaboration as the necessary skill for young people. And yes, it is the reason humanity was able to dominate the planet—especially our ability to do so in such large groups. Yet, we have a serious disconnect with what we’re told and the example being set.

I see collaboration among friends and small communities of people, especially those working towards a cause. But everywhere else?

Not a chance.

What I do see are politicians opting to attack each other, fighting for power, rather than collaborate and serve the people that elected them.

I see workplaces turn toxic as it divides into camps and gossip circles.

Academics in the ivory tower go on the offensive to protect their ego rather than work with colleagues who might offer some necessary insight to lead our collective knowledge forward.

Businesses who would have some amazing synergy if they worked together (especially tech ones), but opt to hide behind corporate plays for power and stifle innovation we could all benefit from.

Religious leaders who bury their feet (and sometimes their heads) in the sand rather than reach out and work together for the common good.

While we do have some great examples on a small scale, but it’s nowhere near where it needs to be.

If anything, the hope I have for our young people is to completely enshrine themselves within their natural rebellious ways in order to ignore the example being set.