Habit 6 Synergize and Habit 7 Sharpen the

Habit 6 - Synergize and Habit 7 - Sharpen the Saw Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much -Helen Keller

Synergy l It is… – – Celebrating differences Teamwork Open-mindedness Finding new and better ways l It is not – – Tolerating differences Working independently Thinking you’re always right Compromise

Personality Test l Take Personality Test

We are all a minority of one l l l We have different styles and traits and characteristics What fruit were you? Which fruit was the best? What if we were all the same? We all have strengths and weaknesses. No one is better or worse, just different

We are a minority of one l We learn differently – l One way isn’t better than an other, only different We see differently

Celebrating Differences l Three possible approaches to diversity – – Shun differences-these people are afraid of differences. They only accept people that are the same as them Tolerate differences-They believe that everyone has a right to be different. Don't bother me and I won’t bother you. They don’t synergizedifferences are hurdles not potential strengths

Celebrator’s Profile l l People value differences, see them as an advantage, not a weakness Don’t have to agree with the differences Diversity=Creative Sparks=Opportunity Difficult to do all the time – Appreciate racial and cultural differences but look down on someone because of the clothes they wear

Getting to Synergy- Action Plan l l l Define the problem or opportunity Their way (seek first to understand) My way (seek to be understood) Brainstorm (create new options and ideas) High Way (find the best solution) Action Plan Pg. 195

Sharpen the saw? l l Sometimes we are too busy to take time to do the things we need to do to keep fresh. We need to regularly renew and strengthen 4 key areas – – The Body The Brain The Heart The Soul

Balance all 4 areas l If your tires are out of balance, all 4 will not wear evenly – – It’s hard to be friendly (heart) when you’re exhausted (body) When you are motivated and in tune with yourself (soul) , it’s easier to focus on your studies (mind) and to be more friendly (heart)

The Physical Dimension l Exercise, eat healthy, sleep well and relax – – – Eat healthy food Relax in the tub Bike Lift weights Get enough sleep -take walks -stretch out -do aerobics -practice yoga -play sports

Caring for your brain l l l Sharpen your mind Getting a good education may be the most important thing you can do Develop brain power through schooling, extracurricular activities, hobbies, jobs, and other mind enlarging activities

Sharpen your mind l l Read a newspaper everyday Travel Plant a garden Visit a library l l Write a story Solve puzzles Play an instrument debate

Caring for your Heart l l Put regular deposits into your personal and relationship bank accounts Just laugh- sometimes life just stinks and there’s not much you can do about it, so laugh

Caring for your Soul l l Finding what deeply inspires you, finding your inner self where your deepest convictions and values are How to feed your soul – – – Meditating Serving others’ Listening to music

A teen’s best friend l l l You can pour your heart out in your journal and it will sit there and listen. It won’t talk back A good way to clear your head become more self-aware. You can read past entries to keep from making the same mistakes and to see how you have matured

Make time to renew l l You are already doing many things to renew All of it won’t just happen though, it is a Quadrant 2 activity (important but not urgent), you have to be proactive