Without habit one through five in place, I believe that this one in nearly impossible. One needs to have reached independence, adopted a win-win mindset, become an empathetic listener, in order to comprehend the concept of synergy. Synergy is attained through authentic collaboration. The ability of more than one person, coming together, brainstorming ideas, sharing their expertise, working, putting forth effort, and resulting in the best possible solution. This is different than a compromise. True synergy values differences, focuses on strengths and avoids stereotypes. This is what will lead you to true interdependence.
My Habit
As a district, we have a long way to go. I don’t believe that as an organization we don’t value this habit; however I do believe that the time is not allotted to make this a possibility. As an individual, I am lucky that my supervisor does her best to make the time and put forth effort to “synergize.” At the end of the last year, my supervisor, the other Supervisor of Instruction and myself came together to create a plan for this year’s back-to-school professional development. In a four hour brainstorming session, where we charted each other’s thoughts and opinions, and considered previous feedback from past professional development days, we created a plan that would meet the needs for all staff and our district. I attribute the success and positive feedback to our planning process. We didn’t compromise. We synergized and created the best, most effective professional development we have had in our district in some time.
My Commitment
I commit to imparting my knowledge of this habit, synergy, to my daughter. As mentioned in previous blogs, she plays basketball and has been playing for many years. The difference is that she is now playing with girls that she has only known for no more than two years and she is the captain. In middle school and throughout high school, she has played with girls that she has known since elementary. So, synergizing wasn’t very difficult. However, now, more than ever, understanding this habit will benefit the team. As a captain, the leader of the team, it is her responsibility to bring everyone together, by valuing everyone’s contributions to strengthen their team.
My Habit
As a district, we have a long way to go. I don’t believe that as an organization we don’t value this habit; however I do believe that the time is not allotted to make this a possibility. As an individual, I am lucky that my supervisor does her best to make the time and put forth effort to “synergize.” At the end of the last year, my supervisor, the other Supervisor of Instruction and myself came together to create a plan for this year’s back-to-school professional development. In a four hour brainstorming session, where we charted each other’s thoughts and opinions, and considered previous feedback from past professional development days, we created a plan that would meet the needs for all staff and our district. I attribute the success and positive feedback to our planning process. We didn’t compromise. We synergized and created the best, most effective professional development we have had in our district in some time.
My Commitment
I commit to imparting my knowledge of this habit, synergy, to my daughter. As mentioned in previous blogs, she plays basketball and has been playing for many years. The difference is that she is now playing with girls that she has only known for no more than two years and she is the captain. In middle school and throughout high school, she has played with girls that she has known since elementary. So, synergizing wasn’t very difficult. However, now, more than ever, understanding this habit will benefit the team. As a captain, the leader of the team, it is her responsibility to bring everyone together, by valuing everyone’s contributions to strengthen their team.