In the rich tapestry of caring for those around us, accompaniment has long been regarded as a transformative and profoundly relational way of engaging with others. I have long been intrigued to explore the parallels between the spiritual practice of accompaniment and the professional workplace practice of collaboration, known by many different buzzwords. By looking closely at these two common practices, we can uncover a profound interconnectedness that can potentially enhance both our spiritual lives and work environments.

What is accompaniment? Saint Teresa of Ávila beautifully encapsulates accompaniment when she states, “Christ has no body now but yours. No hands, no feet on earth but yours.” This call to be the tangible expression of Christ in the world reflects our profound responsibility to journey alongside others, fostering their growth and providing support in their unique paths of transformation. To accompany means to be like Christ, to journey with but also to seek an understanding of others in the way Christ does.

What is collaboration? Collaboration is a synergistic approach that harnesses the power of collective intelligence, fosters cross-functional cooperation, and leverages diverse perspectives to achieve shared goals. It is a dynamic process that enables seamless knowledge exchange, innovative problem-solving, and enhanced productivity within a team or organization.

While collaboration thrives on a foundation of trust, transparency, and inclusivity, creating an environment where ideas flow freely, fosters a sense of ownership and a feeling of shared accountability. These are not the values that one will often hear in the professional business workplace; while helpful for fostering collaboration, they often move deeper than professional teams feel comfortable they seek a foundation of relationships. A cursory search of business, team, or professional collaboration shows that the focus is on productivity, not relationships.

The parallels between accompaniment and collaboration become evident as we consider Saint John Paul II’s words: “Every person ought to have the awareness that by bringing harmony to the environment, they are making their contribution to the life of society as a whole.” Here, we see the inherent connection between personal responsibility and the broader collective, emphasizing the need for individuals to work together for the betterment of all.

Both accompaniment and collaboration require a spirit of humility, openness, and active listening. They call us to recognize and value the unique contributions and perspectives of others, fostering an environment where diverse talents can flourish. Just as accompaniment acknowledges the dignity and worth of each person, collaboration recognizes the distinct gifts and expertise individuals bring to the collective effort. In an ideal way, accompaniment forms the healthy and true foundation upon which effective collaboration is established. To collaborate in a way that truly seeks to make teams work effectively, we must accompany those we serve with.

As Catholic professionals, we are called to integrate the spiritual practice of accompaniment with the professional practice of collaboration. Recognizing these two realms’ interconnectedness, we can infuse our work environments with a sense of compassion, empathy, and mutual respect. Let us heed the wisdom of the saints, remembering the words of Saint Francis of Assisi: “Start by doing what is necessary, then what is possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible.” Through the harmonious union of accompaniment and collaboration, we can cultivate workplaces that reflect the transformative power of bringing Christ to others!