I like to win. Who doesn't? But, I also enjoy opportunities that produce win-win outcomes. And, it's safe to say that I like creative ideas, and sharing them. So, I share thoughts, ideas and my brand of positivity when I can. I think it's good to do so. And, I've always said that a city is only as good as the stories it tells and we all share in this important responsibility. Sure, all stories may not be "good," but leading with the positive sets a tone for impact and ultimately collaboration.
Collaboration is producing and creating stories and outcomes. It's connecting with others, contributing and communicating.
But why don't we always collaborate? Well, parochialism is real and needed. This is true. We all have to "fight" for our entity, community, company or family. This is what we're called to do. Take care of your own. But, bigger picture we're called to champion things that are larger than us all. And, this is where - I believe - a rise in collaborative tides lifts all boats.
Have an idea for your community? Share it, but also share it with another community. Why not? See something at another company that you like? Share it with your boss. Love something you see on social media? Let the person or entity know. Share and share alike. Build community. Collaborate.
We all only have the limited time we have in this life. I know that sounds trite. But, think about it. The work, the partnerships, the relationships ... everything we do helps define us and build for the future.
Milwaukee is Greater Milwaukee. Chicago calls itself and the greater area Chicagoland. Milwaukeeland? Not sure that term flows. Greater Milwaukee sounds and is better. Either way, we're not just a city. We're a community of cities, villages, counties and towns. Without the heart of the state, Milwaukee, Wisconsin doesn't live. Vice versa, without the arteries -- the suburbs -- Milwaukee doesn't live.
I love going to other communities in Wisconsin. We're a great state full of wonderful destinations and people. But, we're a greater state when we collaborate.
As someone at one of the many panels discussions I go to and participate in once said, you can't be a suburb of nothing. So, Milwaukee and Delafield, you need one another. Shorewood and Whitefish Bay, you're basically the same, so work together. Bay View, you're a neighborhood and part of Milwaukee. Wauwatosa, you're 50,000-plus strong and a vital connection to Milwaukee. Waukesha and Milwaukee Counties. Well, you get my drift.
There are many easy ways to help move Greater Milwaukee forward, but collaborating is key. No matter what subject we're talking about entertainment, education, development, sports, retail, transit, etc. joint operation and action is key.
Without collaboration, we all die since we're all in it -- no mater what it is -- together.
A life-long and passionate community leader and Milwaukeean, Jeff Sherman is a co-founder of OnMilwaukee.
He grew up in Wauwatosa and graduated from Marquette University, as a Warrior. He holds an MBA from Cardinal Stritch University, and is the founding president of Young Professionals of Milwaukee (YPM)/Fuel Milwaukee.
Early in his career, Sherman was one of youngest members of the Greater Milwaukee Committee, and currently is involved in numerous civic and community groups - including board positions at The Wisconsin Center District, Wisconsin Club and Marcus Center for the Performing Arts. He's honored to have been named to The Business Journal's "30 under 30" and Milwaukee Magazine's "35 under 35" lists.
He owns a condo in Downtown and lives in greater Milwaukee with his wife Stephanie, his son, Jake, and daughter Pierce. He's a political, music, sports and news junkie and thinks, for what it's worth, that all new movies should be released in theaters, on demand, online and on DVD simultaneously.
He also thinks you should read OnMilwaukee each and every day.
