It is said that synergy is a business enhancer. I agree totally because I believe also that synergy is the way to move forward in most things in life.  One of the religious books even states: One person can chase 1000 (enemies) but TWO can chase 10,000 – a multiplying supernatural equation that defies explanation.  In emotional relationships it is said, two are better than one! Not to talk about the mathematical equation illusion that states 1 + 1 = 3.  So, what does ‘synergy’ really mean?

To put it simply, synergy means, “two heads are better than one.” Synergy is the habit of creative cooperation. It is teamwork, open-mindedness, and the adventure of finding new solutions to old problems. But it doesn’t just happen on its own. It’s a process, and through that process, people bring all their personal experience and expertise to the table. Together, they can produce far better results that they could individually. Synergy lets us discover jointly things we are much less likely to discover by ourselves. It is the idea that the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. One plus one equals three, or six, or sixty–you name it.

When people begin to interact together genuinely, and they’re open to each other’s influence, they begin to gain new insight.

Unfortunately, most people are skeptical about synergizing in business for various reasons and I will deal with the entrepreneur sector for today.

Why are people skeptical? Because of:

• The ‘fear’ of being betrayed in business
• The ‘desire’ to keep all profits to oneself
• Reluctance to ‘trust’
• Observed ‘differences’

So let us talk about the above:

Fear of betrayal:  You can allay any fears you have by putting a firm M.O.U. into place. Most people make mistakes by working on a ‘gentleman’s’ agreement’, especially when they are close friends or family  members. This is a sure recipe for broken relationships! Remember the saying: “money is the root of all evil?”  Money matters can break the most beautiful working relationships. When you decide to work together on projects, you need to put ALL agreed processes on paper. All verbal agreements must be followed by written correspondence! (thank God for emails – not Whatsapp or BBM)

Profit Hoarding: Remember the ratio 1 + 1 = 3? When you synergize you can accept more businesses because everyone will bring in their own skills and tools – you then can raise the business income and in turn generate more profit. You need to break out of the ‘I want to have it all‘ syndrome. That is why you see people involved in various businesses they are not really qualified for – a ‘jack of all trades master of none syndrome’. Definitely have multiple streams of income, but collaboration spreads the risks.

Lack of Trust: Yes, people may break trust in business but then this can happen in other areas of life. That is why you need to be knowledgeable about the person or organization you want to synergize with. You must do some due-diligence! Thinking being ‘family’ or a very good friend is reference enough doesn’t hack it! You need to unemotionally scrutinize  their personalities and work ethics before making the move or accepting a proposal to synergize.

Differences: Yes, differences in personalities may cause friction. That is why it is essential that you synergize with someone you have respect for and who has complementing business strengths. Differences also drive synergy, if you know how to turn them into advantages.

The question to ask yourself if thinking of synergy is: Do you truly value the mental, emotional, and psychological differences among people? Or do you wish everyone would just agree with you so you could all get along? Many people mistake uniformity for unity;  sameness for oneness. One word clarifies this — Boring!  Differences should be seen as strengths, not weaknesses. They add zest to life. The energy required to drive success.

Embracing differences does not mean you have to become each other’s best friend. For example, when you have two or more people with strong Type A personalities working together, cooperation will be difficult sometimes. However, embracing differences does mean we have to remain open to the different ideas, values, needs and feelings of others. When we do this we gain new insights and it is a learning opportunity (personal growth) as well as an added advantage for the growth of the collaboration.

WHAT IS REQUIRED FOR SYNERGY?
When people work within the above guidelines, synergy and new ideas begin to emerge. The other people skills required are as follows:

• Have one common vision – one common goal
  • Be different
  • Have a sense of self
  • Stay open to differences and new ideas – stay authentic
  • Embrace trust
  • Accept the better way will likely not be their way
  • Offer respect to everyone
  • Be able to apologize and forgive
  • Practice ‘mindful listening’ – listen with empathy
  • Maintain an open desire to understand
  • Control negative judgment
  • Stay with a Win/Win (not negative synergy Win/Lose or Lose)
• Form independent collaborations on a ‘need-to’ basis
• Form a partnership in the same area of business operations.

If you need business coaching, please get in touch with me at  @lailajeansmd@ymail.com

Laila St. Matthew-Daniel is a Transitional Life Coach, therapist, social activist and transformational strategist.

Copyright AboveWhispers.com
Permission to use quotations from this article is granted subject to appropriate credit being given to www.abovewhispers.com as the source.