Habit 6

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

Habit 6 is Synergize. According to the book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People synergy is when two or more people produce more together than the sum of what they could produce seperately. It can also be called the Third Alternative - not your idea, not my idea. Synergy occurs by valuing differences, cooperating creatively, and brainstorming options and alternatives.

Habits 4 and 5 must be at work within you in order to make Habit 6 work. In order for synergy to happen you must be thinking win-win and you must be willing to seek first to understand. Habit 5 (understanding) is a big trust builder and without trust, synergy cannot happen.

Valuing differences is a huge part of creating synergy. You can’t be threatened by differences of opinion, perspectives, or background. Imaging being able to say (and meaning it), “Good, you see it differently.”

If two people have the same opinion, one is unnecessary. Stephen R. Covey

Another big part of creating synergy is to check willingness. Make sure each one involved is willing to search for a solution that is better than what either of you have in mind.

How will you know when synergy has taken place? Both sides will:

  • Have a change of heart
  • Feel new energy and excitement
  • See things in a new way
  • Feel the relationship has been transformed
  • End up with an idea that is better than what either of you started with


Don’t expect anything original from an echo. Dune Muncy



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