Synergy is when two or more organizations interact or cooperate to produce a combined effect that is greater than the sum of its separate parts. The word might be newish, but the idea is old enough to have a catchphrase attached to it. You’ve all heard, “Two heads are better than one.” That’s just another way of saying synergy.
Synergy, also known as synergism, refers to the combined
effects produced by two or more parts, elements, or individuals. Simply stated,
synergy results when the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. For
example, two people can move a heavy load more easily than the two working
individually can each move their half of the load. Synergy can be a positive or
negative outcome of combined efforts.
What Are the Benefits of Synergy?
Besides working well together and serving both parties
beneficially, synergy builds trust through collaboration and co-creation. Trust
lays the groundwork for innovation.
Creativity: This is a quality we
all intrinsically have, which needs a safe environment in which ideas can
freely be shared without fear of criticism. Mistakes are acceptable at this
stage. Read our brainstorming tips for help.
Focus: Like attracts like, and a deliberate focus
creates a powerful momentum of attraction of people, knowledge and information.
This allows for an evolution in a positive and productive direction.
How Does Synergy Help Management?
There are many ways in which synergy helps management.
Jennifer outlined three:
2. Synergy generates better solutions to problems
3. Synergy achieves organizational vision and mission