So far in this short series on The 7 Habits, we’ve gone over habits 1-5:
(1) Be proactive,
(2) Begin with the end in mind,
(3) Put first things first,
(4) Think win/win,
(5) Seek first to understand
Here’s what we’ll be covering today…
Habit 6. Synergy
I get it.
“Synergy” sounds dated and cheesy.
But the meaning behind the word is timeless—and far from cheesy.
Synergy, the idea that “the whole is greater than the sum of its parts,” is the creative, collaborative process that often results in something amazing and new.
One of the keys to achieving true synergy is to value the differences between people by realizing that every individual sees the world differently.
When all members of a collaborative group realize this, they’re able to understand that there is much to be learned by openly and honestly interacting with each other. If each of us were to only rely on our own experiences to interpret the world around us, we’d constantly be limiting our knowledge of the world.
True synergy requires complete openness from everyone involved, which can be challenging to achieve. But the outcome is an interdependent and creative reality in which amazing new alternatives and solutions come to light.
Actionable insights
The first step to achieving synergy in your interactions with others is to respect the synergy within yourself. Realize that you have both a creative and a more logical side. Respect the differences between the two and use those differences to become a more creative person.
In difficult situations, choose to look for the positives in others and to avoid negativity in order to see things from a different perspective.
When somebody sees something differently than you do, respond by affirming them. Say something like, “Great! You have a different perspective!” then work to truly understand that perspective rather than disagree with it. In your work to understand it, you might even come up with a third and better perspective.
