14 collaboration lessons from cats (PHOTOS)

Cats run the internet. If you have them in your house, they probably run the house. They also have a little bit of a reputation as collabohaters. In some highly scientific internal research recently conducted at Central Desktop, however, we discovered that our fine feline friends are teaching us lessons in teamwork right under our noses, every day. 

And, yes, this also gave us a shameless opportunity to share our cat pictures with each other – and now with you. If cats taught you a lesson about collaborating (or collabohating), we’d love to hear about it.

1. It’s not “spying”… it’s showing interest

Harley (Harlequin)(Pictured: Harley; Photo credit: Susan from our services team)

2. Meetings: have less of them

Little Gray(Pictured: Little Gray; Photo credit: Krystal from our operations team)

3. Eliminate unnecessary paperwork before it drives everyone crazy

Murphy(Pictured: Murphy; Photo credit: Linda from our marketing team)

4. Always pay attention to a unique perspective

OE(Pictured: OE; Photo credit: Alan from our WebOps/IT team)

5. Volunteer to help today – and you’ll be remembered tomorrow

Bailey(Pictured: Bailey; Photo credit: Krystal from our operations team)

6. Team up with others outside of your usual circle

Kitty-and-Gary(Pictured: Kitty and Gary; Photo credit: Paris from our marketing team)

7. A teammate who thinks inside the box can actually be pretty helpful

Daniel(Pictured: Draka; Photo credit: Daniel from our support team)

8. Know your own limitations

Murphy-in-cone(Pictured: Murphy; Photo credit: Linda from our marketing team)

9. Don’t be afraid to come out of your shell or hidey-hole

Leo (Pictured: Leo; Photo credit: Jason from our sales team)

10. Find better locations than conference rooms for your conferences

Bailey(Pictured: Bailey; Photo credit: Krystal from our operations team)

11. Find your voice

Mini-yawn(Pictured: Mini; Photo credit: Linda from our marketing team)

12. Be flexible and open your… mind to other ideas and opinions

Sake(Pictured: Sake; Photo credit: Krystal from our operations team)

13. Know when it’s time to call it a day

Harley (Harlequin)(Pictured: Harley; Photo credit: Susan from our services team)

14. When all else fails…

Little Gray at the desk(Pictured: Little Gray; Photo credit: Eric from our IT team)

Post by Adam McKibbin

Adam McKibbin is the content marketing manager for iMeet Central. His writing has been featured in Adweek, the Chicago Tribune and The Nation, and he’s produced content for some of the leading tech brands on the Fortune 500.