Collaborative intelligence is reflected in one of the oldest spirtual teachings of the world. This week past I had the great fortune of visiting a yoga retreat and ashram. While I was there I encountered the concept of Karma Yoga which is basically ’selfless service’. People attending the ashram and study center are required to do some work as service to the ashram community.

The center I attended describes Karma Yoga as  “….. selfless service. It is the foundation of our life here at the ashram. As we learn to work with the attitude of helping others, regardless of the task at hand, we uncover our own inner wisdom and unconditional love. Karma yoga is a practice that applies directly to daily life both inside and outside the ashram.      Study yourself in action. Expand your mind. Challenge your concepts. Find the freedom promised in selfless service. As you work, ask yourself: What is my attitude to work? How do I work with others? What is the symbolic meaning of my work? Why do I do what I do?”

These are really good questions to be asking whether you are searching for spiritual wisdom or managing/working inside a team within the business world. It could be argued that teams that have thought deeply about these questions are going to be more purposeful and in the long run – successful. 

Who would have thought a short visit to a Yoga center could generate ideas about how successful team operate? I suppose it shouldn’t have been such a surprise – the concept of community intelligence has been championed by George Por for many years and an ashram is a wonderful place to experience it.