Synergizing

Techniques > Conversation techniques > Synergizing

Description | Example | Discussion | See also

Description

Take their idea and add an idea of your own to make something new.

See if you can help everyone to get what they want. Rather than thinking zero sum, fixed pie, think positive, bigger pie.

Use their idea as a brainstorming trigger and let your mind wander.

Take the best of what you are proposing and the best of what they are proposing and create something using both.

Invite them to bounce back an even better idea.

Example

Other: How about getting in some customers to find out their needs?
You: How about getting them to review product ideas whilst they are here?
Other: How about a joint brainstorming session?
You: We could turn it into a major event!

Other: I want to go to London.
You: I'd like to go to Cardiff. Why don't we make a weekend of it and go to both?

Discussion

The basic principle of synergizing is that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts, that 2+2=5, that two people can come up with more than one person.

This is both highly constructive and is also very good at creating something that both of you own. Your identities are thus fused in your joint idea, creating a stronger bond between you.