Synergy
Synergy is what happens when you apply leverage. It produces exponentially greater results. It’s aptly summarised in the statement “the outcome is greater than the sum of the parts.”
In other words, there’s a dynamic at work that’s not necessarily self-evident.
Here are a couple of examples that show the principle at work.
1. Multiplication versus Addition
If we take two numbers – 5 and 5 – and process them in different ways, we see a significant difference. In the example at left, we’ve added the two numbers together. No synergy at work in this simple sum. But on the right, we’ve multiplied them. In other words, the two numbers interact synergistically to produce a result 250% greater than the one on the left.
Addition
Multiplication
5
5
+5+
x5x
__________
__________
10
25
2. Duplication versus Delegation Imagine you have four employees. In the first illustration, you delegate tasks to each one of them, but you retain all decision-making responsibility, and simply send them off to carry out their delegated tasks and report back to you.
All you’ve done, in reality, is to add four more sets of arms and legs to your own head — and increase your own stress level! You plus four equals five.
They’re focused on problems, so they create activity, whether that activity is productive or not. As often as not, they’re likely to come back to you with fresh problems, since they’re neither equipped not authorised to make decisions for themselves.
In the second illustration, you’ve invested time, effort and money to train them — to effectively duplicate yourself — so that they’re each capable and responsible for specific aspects of the business operation.
Not only will they interact with you, they’ll interact with each other (and with anyone else they believe can contribute effectively to the achievement of their objectives). This adds synergy to the combination, so that they’re focused on solutions and create results. Five times five equals… who knows? The possibilities are limitless.
You still retain right of veto over their recommendations — but you have time to be able to sit back and consider the big picture, the overall perspective, that allows you to adequately plan and control the direction of your business. Working less and earning more.
This is a classic example of the Bow and Arrow Principle at work.
