Synergy and Diversity Notes

Habit 6: Synergize!

• Working together to achieve more.
• Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.

Diversity

• Three approaches:
  • Shun: Afraid, ridicule others, join anti-groups.
  • Tolerate: Believe everyone can be different but don't embrace it; see differences as hurdles.
  • Celebrate: Value differences as an advantage.

Synergy

• It is:
  • Celebrating differences.
  • Teamwork.
  • Open-mindedness.
  • Finding new and better ways.
• It is not:
  • Just tolerating differences.
  • Working independently.
  • Thinking you're always right.
  • Compromise.
• Synergy is everywhere: nature, teams, group projects, band, orchestra.

Diversity Aspects

• Culture/Heritage, Family, Likes/Dislikes, Attitude, Religion, Talents, Beliefs, Friends, Choices, Experiences, Knowledge.

Four Types of People

• Grapes: reflective, sensitive, flexible, creative, group work preference.
• Oranges: experimenting, independent, curious, creating different approaches and change.
• Bananas: planning, fact-finding, organizing, following directions.
• Watermelons (Melons): debating, finding solutions, analyzing, determining value.

Learning Styles

• Linguistic, Logical, Kinesthetic, Spatial, Musical, Interpersonal, Intrapersonal.

Roadblocks to Celebrating Differences

• Ignorance: lack of knowledge or awareness.
• Cliques: exclude others.
• Superiority complex.
• Prejudice.

Stick up for Diversity

• Be an upstander vs. a bystander.

Synergy Action Plan

• Define the Problem.
• Their Way: Understand everyone's ideas.
• My Way: Share your ideas.
• Brainstorm: Create new ideas.
• High Way: Find the best solution.