Author Steven Covey commented: “Synergy is everywhere in nature. If you plant two plants close together, the roots commingle and improve the quality of the soil so that both plants will grow better than if they were separated. One plus one equals three or more. Synergy is the highest activity of life; it creates new, untapped alternatives.”
Jared Peterson of Gunderson Health-St Elizabeth’s physical therapy department and Program Supervisor Tanner Linde of Great River Homes recently collaborated in a synergistic manner as they, “Planted two plants close together” and expanded the “Fresh Start” exercise program. Jared worked with co-workers at Gunderson Clinic to develop individualized exercise programs to help individuals achieve their specific fitness goals. Tanner commented that Gunderson team members were very accommodating and flexible with scheduling. Tanner worked with co-workers at Great River Homes to encourage involvement by individuals served by Great River Homes. Team members from both agencies helped create a fun, positive environment for exercise which encouraged the initial participants to keep coming back. As the program continued, “the quality of the soil” attracted additional participants when others realized how much fun individuals already in the program were having.
Amy, Christina, Mike, and Trevor are housemates who receive services from Great River Homes. During a recent visit, they enthusiastically described the synergistic impact of the program; each individual shared how being involved in the program helped increase their physical activity level, provided the opportunity to use different equipment such as a hand bike, and above all, created opportunities for experiencing new, positive and motivating relationships. Synergy often leads to unexpected results; in this case, a previously undiagnosed but significant medical condition was detected as an individual was screened for health concerns during their participation in the Fresh Start program.
If you plant two plants close together, the roots commingle and improve the quality of the soil so that both plants will grow better than if they were separated. As Amy, Christina, Mike, and Trevor participate in the Fresh Start exercise program they experience firsthand the validity of Steven Covey’s insight: “Synergy is the highest activity of life; it creates new, untapped alternatives.”