I got into an interesting conversation about distinctions yesterday. Specifically, it was about the difference between ‘synergy’ and ‘leverage’. Here’s what we concluded:

Synergy is the idea that 1 + 1 > 2. In other words, when you’re working with someone on something at work, at home, at school, or wherever, the two of you can accomplish more working TOGETHER than you could if you each worked separately. So it’s like a teamwork, or delegation, kind of thing.

Leverage is the idea that 1 > 1. That is we can increase the amount of work we can do as individuals by changing HOW we work. So leverage is like a time-management, strategic implementation kind of thing.

So here are two questions related to these definitions:

1. How can you increase the synergy you have with other people?
2. How might you increase the leverage you experience in doing the things you do by yourself?