Cooperatives are not for everyone. People who are naturally inclined to collaborate and thrive in team environments are successful in a cooperative business or nonprofit environment. We are socialized in a world where competition and winning are valued. Healthy competition can encourage innovation and unimaginable human accomplishments. However, competition in a collaborative mode creates more winners than one. It is easier to be an individualist than a collaborator. I can single handedly decide where to go out to dinner quickly and be fully satisfied with my choice. It is not easy to make this decision for a family with varied preferences for food. If you are a natural negotiator and feel good about finding a middle ground for everyone's satisfaction, you are a cooperator.