Synergy - the joy of working together (from Carmen)

Ioana

the joy of working together

Over the past months, I have been delighted to have someone to bounce ideas off.  I find that having a partner allows me to think and reach beyond my areas of comfort and to explore new ideas. The fact that we are both artists and value new ways of looking and doing things is exciting to me. 

I wanted to record some of our thoughts and conversations over the since May.  So much has happened since then.  I have kept notes of our journey thus far and want to post snippets of our process both in video and also in writing.  

---

I find “process” of creating anything essential and often forgotten.  I thought it would be interesting both to ourselves and  the people who follow us to lay out our journey with Wholehearted Preneur from the start. Can you help me?

Today, I am thinking about synergy and how it has worked for us and can surely work for others.  As you know, I love quotes and this quote of Stephen Covey has been running around in my mind this morning:

"The essence of synergy is to value differences, to respect them, to build on strengths, to compensate for weaknesses.
Once people have experienced real synergy, they are never quite the same again.They know the possibility of having other such mind-expanding adventures in the future."
Stephen Covey

Many of us were taught to be independent and to "do it all" on our own.  I know I was.  I valued my ability to work alone.  However, I discovered that I could be much more efficient and effective when I respect the opinion of others and collaborate with them.  When I allow myself to engage in this group process, something is born that is more powerful than anything I could create on our own. 

I believe that in trying to find creative solutions to a problem, it is first important that I make the time and space to ponder the problem alone.  Later, I like to engage in a collaborative thought process.  Great and novel solutions and ways of problem solving are the result of following this process.

1.  Define the problem
2.  Allow each individual to give their opinion as to how to solve the problem
3.  Brainstorm solutions without judging but rather genuinely considering the suggestions being offered.  
4.  As a group, pick the best solution.  

It is my thought that as we go along in creating and building “Shine Business”  it is important for us to not only respect and value each other’s opinions but to keep open to seeking others who will join our conversation bringing their unique thoughts and strengths.

I would love to hear your thoughts.  

Carmen