Why it is Wise to Synergize
“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” African Proverb
In our fast-paced world of healthcare, where precision and independence often define our roles, the idea of synergy might sound like a luxury—or worse, a delay. But Stephen Covey’s sixth habit, "Synergize," offers something radically different: a path where connection doesn't just complement excellence—it multiplies it. Synergy isn’t just about cooperation; it’s about creative collaboration that yields better outcomes than any individual effort could alone. In a culture that often glorifies individual heroics, Habit 6 reminds us that some of the most important breakthroughs are catalyzed by interconnectedness.
Our residency faculty takes great pride in our clinical scorecard performance. For many years, we tapped into our competitive tendencies in an effort to outperform each other and our larger clinical department. While we did reasonably well using this approach, a few years ago we decided we’d be better off engaging the entire group in a collaborative process, including getting our clinical and administrative teammates more involved in a way we never had before. As we invited the participation of everyone and brainstormed across roles, new ideas emerged and barriers were identified that never would have been shared otherwise. This has not only resulted in our group consistently performing highly, but also in more ownership by our non-physician teammates. And most importantly, improved patient care.
Covey defines synergy as the result of valuing differences, building on strengths, and compensating for weaknesses. It’s not compromise; it’s a creative leap beyond either/or thinking. And it’s backed by evidence. Research in healthcare teams shows that multi-talented, well-coordinated groups make fewer errors, have better patient outcomes, and report higher job satisfaction. The magic isn’t in agreement—it’s in the process of integrating perspectives that initially seem at odds. This kind of collaborative intelligence thrives not in echo chambers, but in environments where curiosity, humility, trust, and mutual respect reign.
Our team’s performance regularly reminds me that the goal of our clinical work isn’t to “win”, but to invite each other on a shared journey of achieving excellence. It means asking, “What can we accomplish together that we couldn’t do alone?” Sure, we’re still a bit competitive, but we’ve found that the best solutions are consistently the ones forged through open, respectful collaboration. When done well, the time invested pays dividends we could never achieve solo. And it’s also a lot more fun.
So this week, consider a challenge or opportunity where you’ve been going it alone. What might change if you invited someone else’s perspective—not just to help, but to co-create? What assumptions would you need to release to allow synergy to emerge? Reach out to your PeerRx partner and explore a current dilemma together. You may just discover that the best ideas aren’t buried inside us—they’re sparked between us. And in that space of connection, transformation begins. Let's go further by making “synergize” more than a buzzword— let’s make it a habit.