"Si no puedes verte trabajando con alguien de por vida, no trabajes con esa persona ni un día."

The essence of the quote is straightforward: if you can't envision having a long-term relationship with someone in a professional setting, it's best not to start working with them at all. It's about prioritizing compatibility and long-term potential over short-term gains. You know, think of it like dating—if you can't see a future together, why invest your time and energy?

Historically, this kind of wisdom likely emerged from the experiences of entrepreneurs and business leaders who realized that the people you surround yourself with at work can significantly impact your success and well-being. For instance, consider Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak of Apple. They had a relationship built on mutual respect, shared vision, and complementary skills. Jobs and Wozniak didn't just work together; they envisioned a future where their collaboration would lead to something extraordinary. And it did.

Now, let's dive into a real-life application. Imagine you're the founder of a startup. You meet a brilliant coder who's got all the technical skills you need, but there's something about their attitude that doesn't sit right. Maybe they're not a team player, or perhaps they don't share the same passion for the project. If you can't see yourself having a long and fruitful working relationship with this person, it's probably not worth hiring them—even if they're incredibly talented. In the long run, mismatched values and goals can lead to conflicts, and that can be detrimental to your startup.

So, how do you apply this wisdom practically? First, trust your gut. If you feel any hesitation about a potential colleague, take the time to explore those feelings. Ask yourself if you can see this person being part of your journey for the long haul. Second, pay attention to red flags during the interview process. Are they respectful? Do they seem genuinely interested in what you're building? Third, don't rush. It's better to take your time finding the right fit than to make a hasty decision you'll regret later.

Let's put this into a relatable story. Imagine you're at a coffee shop, chatting with your friend Sarah. She's a graphic designer looking to partner with a web developer for a big freelance project. She tells you about this guy she's considering—he's incredibly skilled but seems a bit arrogant and dismissive during their conversations. Sarah thinks maybe she can overlook his attitude because of his talent. Here’s where you step in and share the quote. You tell her, "If you can't see yourself collaborating with him for the long haul, it's not worth it. Think about how frustrating it could be to deal with his attitude every day." Sarah pauses, realizing that while his skills are impressive, the potential hassle isn’t worth it. She decides to keep looking, hoping for a more compatible partner.

In life, and especially in business, the people you choose to work with can make or break your journey. It’s not just about skills or immediate needs; it's about compatibility, shared values, and the potential for a lasting and productive relationship. So, next time you’re contemplating a new professional relationship, ask yourself if you can see it lasting a lifetime. If not, it might be wise to keep looking.