What are the Characteristics of the Synergistic “we”?

How can we more intentionally create synergy in groups? Here are some of the characteristics we’ve experienced that seem to be essential for the potential for synergy to emerge:

• Openness—people are able and willing to suspend their views and feelings and engage with an open mind, heart, and will
• Curiosity—people are interested in what others think and feel.  They understand that they only have one perspective/perception and that other ways of knowing and thinking can be valuable.
• Courage—they have the courage to challenge their assumptions and ideas, seeking to expand possibilities and options.
• Respect and Appreciation—people are deeply respectful of one another, asking question without judgment, cynicism, or fear and they acknowledge one another for the strengths they bring
• Focused on New Knowledge—people are focused on generating ideas, new knowledge, and relevant outcomes
• Reflective—people actively seek to link ideas, concepts, and to keep actions related to the context for which the group has some together.

• Safety--people have to have a sense of physical and emotional safety; enough so that they can release and be fully present.

Questions:
·      When have you been a part of a ‘synergistic we’?  Tell us about that experience.
·      What characteristics made it possible?
·      How was your experience different from just be part of a coordinated group?