I don't know why I thought of superheroes when I learned of this habit. Superheroes each have a super power that is incredible which can be extremely helpful when rescuing those in trouble. Now, think of all those superheroes each with their own super power coming together! The possibilities are endless!
Together they are able to accomplish the greatest of challenges. Each of us have strengths. We are each passionate, knowledgeable, or talented in something unique. When we bring those strengths together, we become stronger. It is an incredible concept to consider that several strengths can come together to become a super power of strength that can take on many challenges. We know this level of partnership is valuable. Yet, why is this so difficult for so many of us to accept? I believe the barrier that keeps us from coming together and becoming a powerful force is trust. We must trust that the other team member's strength is sufficient as well as trust they will use it to the fullest extent when it is needed.
The concept of synergizing is already alive in our classrooms. It is what I ask my students to do every time I ask them to partner talk about a possible solution to a problem. I strategically group them by strength and ability. The hope is that they pull their super powers together and find a solution. They are young and innocent, so they still trust that their partners will share and believe their peers are capable. We, cautious adults, are those who hesitate and distrust our peers. We must model what it is that we expect from them. We ask them to collaborate, problem-solve, and discuss respectfully. We can do it too. Release the inhibitions and let your super power shine. Super heroes unite and SYNERGIZE!
I commit to... recognize and value my colleagues as the trained professionals they are. I commit to surround myself with those who believe in synergizing. I will serve as a model of part of a collaborative team and in so doing teach them how to be a valuable member of a team. I will also commit to teaching my students the language of collaboration to ensure they are valuable members of a team.
Together they are able to accomplish the greatest of challenges. Each of us have strengths. We are each passionate, knowledgeable, or talented in something unique. When we bring those strengths together, we become stronger. It is an incredible concept to consider that several strengths can come together to become a super power of strength that can take on many challenges. We know this level of partnership is valuable. Yet, why is this so difficult for so many of us to accept? I believe the barrier that keeps us from coming together and becoming a powerful force is trust. We must trust that the other team member's strength is sufficient as well as trust they will use it to the fullest extent when it is needed.
The concept of synergizing is already alive in our classrooms. It is what I ask my students to do every time I ask them to partner talk about a possible solution to a problem. I strategically group them by strength and ability. The hope is that they pull their super powers together and find a solution. They are young and innocent, so they still trust that their partners will share and believe their peers are capable. We, cautious adults, are those who hesitate and distrust our peers. We must model what it is that we expect from them. We ask them to collaborate, problem-solve, and discuss respectfully. We can do it too. Release the inhibitions and let your super power shine. Super heroes unite and SYNERGIZE!
I commit to... recognize and value my colleagues as the trained professionals they are. I commit to surround myself with those who believe in synergizing. I will serve as a model of part of a collaborative team and in so doing teach them how to be a valuable member of a team. I will also commit to teaching my students the language of collaboration to ensure they are valuable members of a team.
Reference:
Covey, Stephen R. The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People: Restoring the Character Ethic. New York: Fireside Book, 1990. Print.
Covey, Stephen R. The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People: Restoring the Character Ethic. New York: Fireside Book, 1990. Print.