There is positive and negative project team synergy. The magic and power of project teams is captured in the term “synergy,” which is derived from the Greek word sunergos: “working together.” The difference in productivity between an average project team synergy and a turned-on, high-performing project team is not 10 percent, 20 percent, or 30 percent, but 100 percent, 200 percent, even 500
percent! There is positive and negative project team synergy. The essence of positive synergy can be found in the phrase “The whole is greater than the sum of the parts.” Conversely, negative synergy occurs when the whole is less than the sum of the parts. Mathematically, these two states can be symbolized by the following
equations: Positive Synergy 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 10 Team synergy perhaps can best be seen on a basketball court, a soccer pitch, or a football field where teammates play as one to defeat a superior foe. Although less visible than in team sports, positive and negative synergy can also be observed and felt in the daily operations of project teams. Here is a description from one team member I interviewed on the project team synergy idea:
This same individual fortunately was also able to recount a more positive experience:
The following is a set of characteristics commonly associated with high-performing teams that exhibit positive project team synergy:
Project team synergy will drive them to become champions, create breakthrough products, exceed customer expectations, and get projects done ahead of schedule and under budget. They are bonded together by mutual inter dependency and a common goal or vision. They trust each other and exhibit a high level of collaboration. Project Team Development ModelsSeveral team development models exist out there. I have covered two of them: The Five-Stage Development Model and The Punctuated Equilibrium. If you are interested follow the links and take a look at what they are all about. Image courtesy of Freepik. I am a Project Management practitioner with more than 5 years experience in hardware and software implementation projects. Also a bit of a geek and a great WordPress enthusiast. I hope you enjoy the content, and I encourage you to share your knowledge with the world. View all of Alex Puscasu's posts. Post navigationWhat is positive and negative synergy in project management?Much of the current interest in teams and team building is an effort to achieve positive synergy through the combined efforts of team members. Negative synergy occurs in groups, committees, and other joint efforts for a number of reasons.
What is positive synergy?Positive team synergy is operating when the outcomes a team creates, together, are far more innovative, effective and remarkable than if members created those solutions, individually. The output sum is greater than the individual component parts.
Is synergy positive or negative?Synergy can be both positive and negative. For example, if a group of individuals or enterprises work together to achieve a common objective, the outcome will be better (positive) than if they worked alone.
What is synergy in project management?Synergy is when two or more organizations interact or cooperate to produce a combined effect that is greater than the sum of its separate parts.
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