Why Collaboration is Key to Rural Success — Lessons from the Ketchup Question
Rural Nova Scotia is rich in diversity, resilience, and potential. Yet often, geography, history and habits cause our communities and organizations to operate in isolation. This siloed approach, combined with limited transportation and unequal resource distribution, leads to competition and missed opportunities for shared growth.
The Ketchup Question: A Lesson in Perspective
A 2016 article in the LA Times (link at bottom) used the question, “Do you keep your ketchup in the fridge or the cupboard?”, to illustrate how our assumptions and backgrounds shape the solutions we see. What seems obvious to one person may never occur to another. If everyone at the table keeps their ketchup in the same place, you’ll get the same ideas about ketchup alternatives every time. But when you bring in people with different perspectives, you open the door to new solutions and fresh ideas.
The Case for Diversity
Despite the recent politicizing of the word, leaders are realizing that diversity isn’t just the “right thing to do”, it’s also a strategic advantage; an opportunity to innovate and outperform the competition. The same holds true for rural Nova Scotia: when we collaborate across cultures, histories, and lived experiences, we unlock innovative approaches to our most persistent challenges.
Beyond Tokenism: Making Inclusion Real
True collaboration means more than inviting people to the table—it means making sure every voice is heard and valued. As the article notes, even small barriers (like the language used in job postings) can exclude people. Simply hiring for diversity isn’t enough, if the environment isn’t welcoming retention becomes a problem. In rural Nova Scotia, this means moving beyond “helping our own” and actively working to include those who have been marginalized or left out.
Collaboration as a Competitive Edge
When we break down silos and make space for different perspectives, we move from a scarcity mindset to one of abundance. Collaboration isn’t just about fairness; it’s about building stronger, more resilient communities that are equipped to adapt and thrive.
Reflection:
What assumptions might be limiting your community’s success? How can you invite and value new perspectives to unlock better solutions? Share your thoughts below!
#DiversityMatters #RuralNovaScotia #RCFNS
