The term Synergize comes from the Greek syn-ergos, meaning “working together.”
* Habit 6: Synergize is all about learning to value and work well with other people.
* Synergy is achieved when two or more people work together to create a better solution than either could have come up with alone.
Syngergy is the ultimate habit, the point of all the other habits.
See
Paradigm: believe “together is better.”
* You can do better in college working with others than working alone.
* You don’t always need to have the best ideas.
* Working with others takes time, but saves time in the long run.
Value differences because they create opportunities.
* Other people’s strengths can make up for your weaknesses, and vice versa.
Think “We can create a better way that is better than yours or mine.”
* The best way is not “my way” or “your way,” but a higher way we create together.
Do
Value differences.
* There is strength in diversity.
* The six gains of diversity
* Expands global awareness
* Enhances social development
* Prepares students for future career success
* Increases your knowledge base
* Promotes creative thinking
* Enhances self-awareness
Build complementary teams.
* Everyone else's talents make up for any weaknesses.
* Complement means to complete.
* Preferred behavior styles
* Dominant style: individuals who desire to be in control and to win. They thrive in competition, they are influential, they like to be challenged.
* Influencing style: motivated by social recognition, group activities and relationships. They're the cheerleaders.
* Steady style: they really want to help. They enjoy giving support and collaborating with others, but don't like change or high-risk situations.
* Conscientious style: they want to gain knowledge and become the expert, but are often cautious and don't like change. They need clear instructions.
Go for the 3rd Alternative.
* It requires a lot of humility.
* Steps
* Define the problem
* Listen to their views
* Share your views
* Brainstorm
* Create the best solution
* You’ll know you’ve arrived at the 3rd Alternative when everybody:
* Has a firm change of heart.
* Feels new energy and excitement.
* Sees things in a new way.
* Feels the relationship has been transformed.
* Loves the solution—a better solution than anyone could come up with alone.
* Work within your circle of influence to take down some of the barriers to synergy.
* Ringelmann effect: social loafing. You put in less effort in a group project because no one can tell how much effort you're putting in.
Get
New and better ideas.
* Effective solutions to your problems.
Excitement and passion for the project.
* Less work for your because everybody's contributing.