“7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens” by Sean Covey Habit 6: Synergize

“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” –Helen Keller

Have you ever seen a flock of geese heading south for the winter in a “V” formation? The whole flock can fly 71% faster –When goose flaps it’s wings, it creates an updraft for the goose that follows As the lead goose gets tired, he rotates to the back of the “V” & another takes the lead Geese in the back honk to encourage those in the lead When a goose gets out of formation, he immediately feels the resistance of flying alone and gets back in formation

What is “synergize”? Achieved when 2 or more people work together to create a better solution than they could alone It’s not your way or my way, but a better way, a higher way

What Synergy is & is not Synergy is –Celebrating differences –Teamwork –Open-mindedness –Finding new & better ways Synergy is not –Tolerating differences –Working independently –Thinking you’re always right –Compromise

Synergy is Everywhere

It doesn’t just happen… it’s a process Learn to celebrate differences Many types of differences, not just race or gender –Physical features, dress, language, wealth, family, religious beliefs, lifestyle, education, interests, skills, age, style, etc.

3 Possible Approaches Level 1: Shun diversity –Afraid of differences –Ridicule those who are different –May join gangs, cliques, or anti-groups—strength in numbers Level 2: Tolerate diversity –Believe everyone has a right to be different –Motto: “You keep to yourself & I’ll keep to myself” –See differences as hurdles, not potential strengths to build upon Level 3: Celebrate diversity –Value differences, see them as an advantage –May not agree with differences (such as Democrat or Republican) but value them –Diversity = Creative sparks = Opportunity

Where do you fall on the spectrum? If someone’s clothes don’t match yours, do you value their unique clothing styles or do you think they’re “out of touch”? If someone has a contrary religious belief to yours, do you respect their beliefs or write them off as a “bunch of weirdos”? If someone lives in a different part of town than you do, do you think you could teach them a thing or two, or do you label them for where they live?

We are All a Minority of One In one way or another we are all a minority of one We learn differently –Linguistic We see differently –All the events in your past have created a lens, or paradigm, through which you see the world No 2 people see the same We have different styles, traits & characteristics –Imaginative, investigative, realistic, analytical –Introverted or extroverted –sensing or intuitive –thinking or feeling –judging or perceiving

Roadblocks to Celebrating Differences Ignorance –Clueless: you don’t know what other people believe, how they feel, or what they’ve been through Cliques –There’s nothing wrong with being with those your comfortable with—because a problem when it becomes so exclusive that they begin to reject everyone who isn’t just like them Prejudice –Learned stereotyping, labeling, pre-judging

Creative Cooperation Compromise is = 1 ½ Cooperation is = 2 Synergy is = 3 –Builders know it 1 – 2” x 4” beam supports 607 lbs. 2 – 2” x 4” beam supports 1,821 lbs. If 2 are nailed together supports 4,878 lbs. –Musicians know it When a C and a G note are perfectly in tune, produces a 3 rd note: E –Founders of our country knew it William Patterson—New Jersey Plan: Equal representation regardless of population size James Madison—Virginia Plan: States with larger population get greater representation Final agreement: THE GREAT COMPROMISE: 2 branches of government—Senate & House of Representatives

Getting to Synergy ACTION PLAN Define the problem or opportunity Their way Seek first to understand the ideas of others My way Seek to be understood by sharing your ideas Brainstorm Create new options & ideas High way Find the best solution

Teamwork & Synergy Each team usually made up of 5 or more different types of people, with each member playing a different but important role Plodders –Sure & steady—stick to the job until it’s done Followers –Very supportive of leader—if they hear a good idea, they will run with it Innovators –Creative, idea people—offer the sparks Harmonizers –Provide unity & support & are great synergizers as they work with others—they encourage cooperation Show-offs –Fun to work with—can be tough at times—add spice & momentum to bring the team overall success