The best moments of my life have been moments of synergy. In every aspect of my life, there have been those memorable moments of synergy when everything is just right. I strive for those moments all the time, and sometimes those moments occur and sometimes they don't.
What creates synergy?
Common ground
One important element of synergy is common ground. I was reminded of this today when I heard from an old friend. The two of us were somewhat pitted as adversaries in our former positions due to organizational constraints and structure, yet we shared a lot in common with regard to interests. Now, beyond that organization, there's a chance to reconnect around our common interests. This holds potential for synergy--the kind of synergy we experienced when we first met so many years ago. For there to be synergy, there has to be common interests, intrigue, desires, and quests.
Focus
Synergy has a lot to do with focus. You may be with your most beloved family members and friends, but synergy may not occur simply because the focus is off. For example if you and your partner are out for a nice dinner, the setting may be ripe for synergy yet it may not occur if one or both of you are focused on other matters. For synergy to occur, you need to be focused on the people you're with.
Open mindedness
Narrow mindedness obstructs synergy. If your too closed minded, you won't have enough mental space or broad perspective to support good synergy.
Patience
Also, if you're too domineering and impatient, synergy is unlikely to occur. Like a good symphony, synergy requires the harmony amongst people, and harmony demands patience.
Tempo
Synergy generally has a good tempo too--it doesn't drag, but it also doesn't race, there's a right rythm to synergy.
Time and Place
Synergy benefits from time and place. The physical surroundings and comfort level of an environment definitely optimizes synergy. If people are uncomfortable and uninspired, synergy is less likely to occur. Timing is important too--if events happen when people are not their best, that will hinder synergy too.
To achieve synergy is a good goal in life for every aspect of life. Synergy wont always happen, but working in that direction makes the likelihood of synergy happening much greater. Onward.