Habit 6: Synergize

Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.

-         Helen Keller

What is synergy? Synergy is celebrating differences, teamwork, open-mindness, and finding new and better ways. It is achieved when two or more people work together to create a better solution.

To create synergy we have to celebrate differences; not judge people on what they look like but on who they are. 

There are different kinds of people when it comes to celebrating differences: 

The shunner is afraid of differences, it scares them that someone has a different color skin, or wear different clothes, Because they are sure that there way is the only and best way of life. 

The tolerater thinks everyone has the right to be different; accepts the fact, but does not embrace it. They see differences as hurdles, not as potential strengths to build upon.

The celebrator thinks people achieve more when they are not all the same. They see differences as an advantage, not a weakness. To them, Diversity = Creative Sparks = Opportunity.

It is much easier to appreciate differences when we realize that in one way or another, we are a minority of one. We are all different, we learn, and see differently; everyone sees the world differently. 

But there are also roadblocks to celebrating differences. Ignorance, cliques and prejudice are some of them. 

Ignorance means you are clueless. You don’t know anything about other people; how the feel, what they believe, or what they’ve been through. 

Cliques are an exclusive group of friends; they become so exclusive that they begin to reject everyone else. 

Prejudice is stereotyping, labeling, and pre-judging people. Although we are all created equal, unfortunately, we are not often treated equally. 

Fortunately the world is full of people who stick up and value diversity. Differences create the challenges in life that open the door to discovery.