Collaborating with the Enemy By Adam Kahane

In Collaborating with the Enemy, Adam Kahane challenges the traditional notion that collaboration requires alignment and trust. Drawing from his extensive experience in conflict resolution across diverse settings—including South Africa’s transition from apartheid and Colombia’s peace processes—Kahane introduces the concept of “stretch collaboration.” This approach encourages embracing differences, experimenting collaboratively, and stepping into situations without the need for control. 

 Key Concepts

• Stretch Collaboration: A method that involves:

  1. Embracing conflict and connection—acknowledging and working through disagreements.

  2. Experimenting a way forward—taking iterative steps without a fixed plan.

  3. Stepping into the game—actively participating without the need for control.

• Enemyfying Syndrome: The tendency to view others as adversaries, which hinders effective collaboration. Kahane emphasizes recognizing this mindset to foster more productive interactions.

• Power and Love: Drawing from his earlier work, Kahane discusses balancing the drive for self-assertion (power) with the drive for unity (love) to achieve effective collaboration.