The Trump Blog

Ideas and Opinions from Donald Trump and TrumpU Faculty.

Home : Synergy

Synergy

A A A

Permalink

Coming together is a beginning, keeping together is progress, working together is success.

 --Henry Ford

Synergy is a word that implies that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. It’s a coming together of energies that is made clear by the Greek roots of the word: syn + ergos = ‘together working’ which is what Henry Ford was saying in his quote. It has a scientific application but is a great word for business aptitude, as in, combining forces to create a greater momentum, a greater whole.

We all know about the great teams that have worked together to make history. I may be an entrepreneur but I also head a large organization so I know just how important this concept is. We work as a team here and yet I demand that each person have an individual responsibility. They need to be able to work independently.  It’s much like The Apprentice--each candidate needs to exhibit an individual excellence as well as the ability to be a team player. That’s not always easy, but it’s a combination of forces that will make you far more viable in the marketplace.

Results matter in business. There are different strategies but I can tell you the best one is as mentioned above. It’s similar to one of the techniques I apply in negotiations--I consider where the other side is coming from. When you have a job, always consider the big picture and the gestalt of the organization first. That way it will be clear what contributions you can make that will be the most helpful. When everyone works that way, success is much easier to attain. You will also be on the wavelength of the CEO--because it is his or her job to keep the organization healthy, vital and moving forward.

 

Donald J. Trump is Chairman of Trump University.

Please log in or join to comment.

17 Comments

[-] Posted by Rachael Sutton #1253595 on 08/06/2009 1:05 PM
You know, Mr. Trump, the same thing is true in a well balanced marriage or any healthy relationship. It is best when all parties work together as a team, but all can also operated independently as needed. I used to refer to this as being interdependent - not dependent or independent but a mix of both in a cooperative way. What is this really? It is working to complement each other to bring out the very best in all. It stands to reason, if I am part of something or someone, if the whole looks good, I look good. Everybody wins this way.

One of the most empowering things I've found in working with groups was to include them in the planning process in the organization's plan of work. By understanding what we wanted to accomplish as a whole, each person could look to see what skills and ideas they possessed to contribute. The more you understand about where your organization wants to go, the easier it is to figure out how to get there.

But, from the CEO's perspective, it is also important to know where your employees want to go, and to help them to grow and develop - even if there eventual goal is to move beyond your organization. In this, you help to build the future, and if done right, you also build lasting alliances.
[-] Posted by member11002083 on 08/06/2009 1:25 PM
We used the word synergy a lot during our initial concept and planning for MyBizSpace.Com. Very similiar to the way vitamins work. Good seperately but great when taken together.
Determining problems or challenges that could arise before they were even present has been helpful as well. Knowing how to put out a fire before there is one is vital. Expect challenges before hand and if no one in your group is capable of handling that particular situation, find someone who is.

I believe Henry Ford was once asked by a reporter how a particular car part works. He said he didn't know but could find someone in five minutes that could tell you in detail. Basically, hiring the right people not just for their abilities but that are also on the same page (with room for deviation and creativity) as the entire company. This has created synergy for us. This blog was a very good detailed reminder of how imprtant that is and that it always need to be cultivated during the life of a company.
Matt Engel
Houston, TX
[-] Posted by Cheryle on 08/06/2009 6:31 PM
Synergy works best when people are willing to cooperate and do what's best for the good of all.
The Apprentices didn't shut up long enough for a team member to voice an opinion without being verbally attacked by the group leader or another team member. As for cooperation, forget about it.
The tension in the room was thick. They didn't look like they were having fun, and the results could have been much better if they understood the true meaning of synergy.
You looked great in the Boardroom, and they thought so too.
In real life, I wouldn't expect the people I work with to act like spoiled "celebrities." I enjoy harmony.
In art and music it''s what seperates the best from the rest.
[-] Posted by member1903576 on 08/07/2009 2:58 AM
I need to work for you I dislike offices that are full of selfish employees I like to do my job well but also join in with teamwork unfortunalty alot of people don't really know what this term means. Very well put Mr. Trump
[-] Posted by MitchM on 08/07/2009 11:38 AM
"When you have a job, always consider the big picture and the gestalt of the organization first. That way it will be clear what contributions you can make that will be the most helpful. When everyone works that way, success is much easier to attain. You will also be on the wavelength of the CEO--because it is his or her job to keep the organization healthy, vital and moving forward." -- Donald Trump

Thirteen years ago my mentor and a very successful man in the actuarial consultation business in the 70s and 80s said similiar things and they changed my life.I was not in that kind of mind set or business - I was a teacher - my life changed direction in a big way.

Today I say life begins at 63 for me and I've got decades to learn.

Mike
[-] Posted by member11002676 on 08/08/2009 1:09 AM
Running up a business doesn't solely depend on having a sufficient capital. We need to consider that great business ideas do matters too.They have the ability to brainstorm and come up with brilliant idea.Especially if it would comes to the topic of having an investment. This can be shared by your team members or business partners. In investment everything is risky. It would take a very courageous individual to risk their hard earned money. The SEC has begun an investigation on whether or not certain stock brokerages have been engaging in a shady practice called flash trading. Flash trading is when stock brokers let stock brokers see the order they are putting into the market before they file it, which is considered to be the less ugly cousin of the ugly and illegal practice of insider trading. Security and Exchange Commission Chair Mary Schapiro is set to begin investigating the practice, and the SEC is considering a flash trading ban. New York Senator Charles Schumer is completely in favor of a ban, and it may take some payday loans at least to find out who has been flash trading.

http://personalmoneystore.com/Payday-Loans/
[-] Posted by Alf J. Lundgren on 08/08/2009 4:26 AM
Well said, alone can be strong, but together is stronger. Well, it can be the other way if you get the wrong people, but it sure has that potential.
[-] Posted by member1815053 on 08/08/2009 6:57 AM
I did just talk last evening about how important is the to head the organization. Especially in these days it is important that you can head the organization so that it works even under the pressure of bad times. There are many parts that consider your account and one of the most important is heading your staff so that your employees like that what they are doing in your organization. I have heard many times the saying that you have not been employed as having fun in your workplace but you are employed to work hard but if you really do not like what you are doing so the results are also bad. And if you have conflicts between coworkers in the office so the caos is ready. The personal heading, staffing, is very important to get things go well.

I liked that clause: "We work as a team here and yet I demand that each person have an individual responsibility. They need to be able to work independently". In that way everyone should do his or her best to get everything done as in time and so can the results be good. But the work must be measured and they must have strict timetable so there is no time to quarrel or be jealous to each other.

"You will also be on the wavelength of the CEO--because it is his or her job to keep the organization healthy, vital and moving forward" - that is the point, if you have a good CEO, working hard would be also fun.
[-] Posted by member11002777 on 08/08/2009 5:23 PM
okay that's the case when you already have a big blooming business.
But what tip can a no-budget starting from scratch without education woman get out of this.
Maybe the tip that you can make it, when you keep the best interest of the organization where you work in mind, to a better financial situation in life?
But how do you cope with all those who fail in life and only have one purpose and that's to keep real motivated,enthusiastic people down?
Is staying focused and positive the best way to deal with that?
thanks for being who you are, a real motivation to believe in bigger and better
all the best from The Netherlands
[-] Posted by member11002915 on 08/09/2009 11:23 AM
hey mrtrump, im Justina, im only 16 and im a Malaysian .To be frank with you, i love your business mind alot. I do hope to study in your TrumpU too one day. I believe il be a successful business woman in years to come. But for my age, now theres only one thing im searching for- my goal. im pretty confidence that i have the business mind but i still do not know what i should specialize at. should i go for business consultant ? business law ? or ? .. thats where my headache comes from. Do hope that i can get some advice from you, although im still too young for that and it sounds awkward. thanks
[-] Posted by GEORGE VEDEL on 08/10/2009 3:04 AM
DEAR DONALD TRUMP!
If Hitler had won the war, SYN + ERGOS would still have been the formula for generating wealth. The question would then be: Would we do it?
U.S government is not that bad, of course.
Only ca. 95% !!!!

Sincerely,
George Vedel
Denmark
[-] Posted by member11000083 on 08/10/2009 11:48 AM
This is especially true at an economically challenging time like the current one. We are experiencing major changes in our economic fabric as the U.S. for the first time in 70 years is having to make room for new economic behemoths.

For our business, we are working to form stronger more robust partnerships among the owners, among supporting businesses, and with our communities. Working smart in this way, we have the opportunity to reduce our costs, increase our value, and provide for a more stable future.

Blake Ratcliff
http://apartment-marketing-solutions.com/apartment-marketing-solution...
[-] Posted by user28112 on 08/10/2009 7:53 PM
To you Trump: the "synergistic salesman."

May you and your synergistic family and business team-family continue to prosper.

Foreclosures, your first major success, are being sold. No doubt you are perfectly positioned for continued success as the real estate market and the employment situation very, very slowly improves under President Obama’s administration. Synergy is vital. Trump University continues to teach the art of the deal very well, even in these interesting, increasingly delicate times.

Yes, a CEO must keep his or her organization unified, "healthy, vital and moving forward." Trump, We agree wholeheartedly with you and Mr. Ford concerning the virtues of synergy. And "inner" synergy is essential. A persons thoughts, words and actions must agree with each other first and foremost (syn + ergos = ‘together working’) before for that person can be a complete important unique asset to his or her own self, to the team, to the CEO and to the world.

Trump, good "inner" synergy is an outcome, knowingly and unknowingly of reading and deeply studying your books and the good books you endorse. The Bible is also a book that can bring about Good "Inner" Synergy" but it is and has been a very dangerous book without proper guidance. And that proper guidance is almost non-existent, which is the reason We, Nimrod, is here with that proper guidance.

Inner Synergy has been accomplished by many people, but it is not easy at first and is a constant process. That is why the word "enemy" was coined. In many cases the word enemy should be spelled "inner me" because at times a person is their own worst "inner me." Defeat starts inside a person. If "you" believe that you are defeated, then you are. If you believe a lie, you will lose. That’s why it is necessary for a warrior to have his or her (1) body, (2) mind and (3) spirit "together working" to be a good, first-class, fighting Marine, soldier, person, team member, CEO, and leader of any country.

The Apprentice is a high-quality example of unsuccessful and successful teams "together working." Picking the lovely, funny and intelligent Joan Rivers as the winner of the last celebrity The Apprentice was an appropriate decision. Joan is a strong, productive, wise woman.

Sincerely, your friend and "Revolutionary Entrepreneur"
Nimrod

Dr. Nimrod Erech M. Christ Nimrod (Gen 10:8-10)
Nimrodworldpeace@aol.com.
[-] Posted by member1982261 on 08/11/2009 10:26 AM
The key is "responsibility". If everybody takes care of their job, the phrase "team work" will actually have a meaning.


John,
http://www.canadabanks.net/Loans.aspx
[-] Posted by Allan2000 on 08/12/2009 6:49 AM
An organization is like a tree.. Where individual people can be a leaves, root, or a stem.. The aim is to bear a fruit..
[-] Posted by member1810278 on 08/18/2009 5:22 PM
Thank-You Mr. Trump,

for the tools you provided in my first course "Operating on a Shoe String" That was the most valuable information todate I have received, and to be able to utilize for my new start-up business and to move forward.

I will continue to be grateful for the Trump University with all of the informational gidelines and suggestions. I will refer other interested individuals, make regular returns to the web-university for additional course, and information. I enjoy turning on my computer, and going to the Trump University in the comfort of my own home. Before Trump University I was lost, I wanted to get started but without the information,and resources I found I was just taking classes without having the meat of getting started by actually putting my ideas, and business into action.

I have great ideas but had little structure in getting started,until YOU, I am now motivated, encourage, and informed of how to build my ideas, and business for adventures in becoming wealth guided,and wealth healthy as a new Enterpreneur.
[-] Posted by Greem Beam Solar LLC. on 09/04/2009 9:52 PM
Really an amazing post thank you Mr. Trump.
Please log in or join to comment.
Why do you need a personal real estate coach?  * To find profitable real estate investments * To negotiate deals like a pro * To close deasl and make money.  Get Started Now!
Get the Feed
AddThis Feed Button

Please send me Trump University's weekly e-newsletter Inside Trump Tower and let me know about special offers.

Search This Blog

See how you stack up against Donald Trump take our FREE entrepreneurship test.

Follow Us on Twitter
Become a Fan of Trump University's Facebook Page
Trump University on You Tube
How to Change the World
Tom Peters
Conversation Marketing
Freakonomics
Marketing Excellence Blog
Rajesh Shakya

TrumpU Books

Trump Real Estate 101 Trump University Real Estate 101 Building Wealth with Real Estate Investments

Trump Commercial Real Estate 101 Commercial Real Estate Investment 101 How Small Investors Can Get Started and Make It Big

more...