Synergize
Synergy: when two or more people work together to create a better solution than either could alone. It’s not your way or my way, but a better way Synergy is: Celebrating differences Teamwork Open-mindedness Finding new and better ways Synergy is not: Tolerating differences Working independently Thinking you are always right Compromise
Roadblocks to Celebrating Differences Ignorance Cliques Prejudice “Differences create the challenges in life that open the door to discovery” Are you: Shunner: afraid of differences Tolerator: everyone has the right to be different Celebrator: value differences
Great teams are made up of five or more different types of people, with each member playing a different but important role: Plodders—sure and steady, stick to a job until it is done Followers—very supportive of leaders Innovators—creative, idea people Harmonizers—provide unity and support Show-offs—fun to work with, but tough at times
“Even when you’ve played the game of your life, it’s the feeling of teamwork that you’ll remember. You’ll forget the plays, the shots, the scores, but you’ll never forget your teammates.” ~Deborah Miller Palmore
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 and ideas High Way Find the best solution
Think about someone who irritates you. What is different about them? What can you learn from them?
ShunnerToleratorCelebrator Race Gender Religion Age Dress Rate your openness to diversity in each of the following categories.