, Got Synergy Down? Here’s How to Turn It into Unstoppable Innovation

If someone forwarded this to you, subscribe here so you don't miss the next one!

Hi !

Last time, we looked at team synergy through empathy and how collective effort merge to generate some serious forward momentum.

From what you’ve told me, plenty of you have already noticed a shift in how your squads interact.

That’s the magic of synergy: it’s fuel for something bigger.

So, where do we go from here? Two words: Unstoppable Innovation. 

Because synergy isn’t meant to be an end in itself. It’s a good basis for breakthroughs, that takes your team from “That’s interesting” to “Wow, that changes everything.”

What’s In It For You:

• Mindset Shake-Up: Why innovation demands more than “lightbulb” moments and how synergy sets the stage.

• 3 Bold Hacks: Unusual tactics to boost your team’s creative genius (and yes, they might feel risky).

• Case Study: A star-studded brand that turned synergy into a relentless stream of fresh ideas.

Why Synergy Is Just the Beginning

Let’s get real: “innovation” gets tossed around so often, it’s practically lost its punch.

But true innovation means consistently breaking the mold, challenging status quo, and solving problems in ways nobody saw coming.

You can’t just declare, “Be innovative!” and watch it bloom.

It takes synergy, real trust, shared insight, and a willingness to wrestle with each other’s perspectives, to spark the kind of friction that ignites brilliance.

Because let’s face it: comfortable teams rarely produce jaw-dropping results.

Hacks for the Bold

1. The “Wrong Answers Only” Brainstorm
   Yes, I said wrong. Gather the team and intentionally propose off-the-wall, obviously flawed ideas. This releases the pressure to be “right” and invites a playful atmosphere where anything goes. You’d be shocked how many “impossible” suggestions morph into genuinely groundbreaking solutions.

2. Innovation Road Trips
   Send pairs or trios on quick field trips to totally different industries (virtually or in-person). Healthcare leaders visiting tech start-ups, finance folks roaming an art exhibition. Cross-pollination is where synergy meets fresh perspectives, sparking next-level ideas you’d never find in your usual bubble.

3. Shark Tank Sessions
   Turn your internal presentations into a mini “Shark Tank.” Let anyone pitch an idea (no matter how rough) and invite the rest of the team to grill them with questions, suggestions, or constructive takedowns. High intensity, sure, but also a high reward when you see who thrives under real pressure.

Case Study: Nike’s Idea Kitchen

Nike is famous for more than sneakers, they’re an innovation powerhouse.

Their “Innovation Kitchen,” is a dedicated space where cross-functional teams tinker with emerging tech, wild designs, and out-there concepts.

Designers, engineers, and marketers collide in a no-judgment zone, fueling a steady stream of products that keep Nike a step ahead of everyone else.

Key takeaway: Provide a protected sandbox for synergy and experimentation. When people feel safe to test wild ideas, real innovation thrives.

“Loonshots” by Safi Bahcall

If you want to learn about how small shifts in structure can create massive waves of innovation, snag “Loonshots” by Safi Bahcall. 

He breaks down how teams and companies balance the tension between wild ideas and rigorous execution, perfect for anyone aiming to transform synergy into tangible breakthroughs.

Quick Note: Schedule Your Free 30-Minute Clarity Call

Maybe your team’s synergy is humming along, but you’re not seeing that leap in creativity or product evolution.

That’s where intentional “Innovation Design” comes in. I’ve guided leaders through building real frameworks that let bold ideas flourish, without spinning off into chaos.

Ready to amplify your team’s synergy into full-blown innovation?

👉 Schedule your complimentary 30-minute clarity call here

Let's Reflect:

1. Are you playing it safe with “tweaks,” or are you aiming for true reinvention?

2. Do your people feel free to propose wild ideas—without fear of looking foolish?

3. What’s one small structural change (like a new routine or cross-functional pairing) you can try this week?

Fun Corner

“Disaster Date” Challenge

• Pair up two team members to build an intentionally flawed concept, be it a product, a service, or a marketing pitch.

• Then present it to the group, who has to find at least one brilliant kernel hidden in the mess.

• Laughter ensues, but so does deeper insight into how unexpected angles can spark genius.

Because sometimes, you’ve got to flirt with disaster to find something spectacular.

Thank you to everyone who responded last week!

A Personal Reflection

I recall a project where my team and I were hitting wall after wall; nothing felt fresh.

So a team member suggested we decided to run a “wrong answers only” jam session.

One of the jokes was a service concept so wacky we actually paused and went, “Wait…that might just work.”

We actually ran with it. Had we not dared to laugh at our own “bad ideas,” we’d have never stumbled on that winner.

The Final Word

Synergy sets the stage, but innovation is where that synergy truly proves its worth.

You need a culture willing to dismantle norms, question everything, and laugh at its own crazy notions before forging them into gold.

Keep stoking the flames of collaboration, then point that heat straight at the boundaries of what’s possible.

Share Your Thoughts

Where have you seen synergy morph into genuine innovation, or where have you seen it fizzle?

Hit reply and tell me about the successes, the flops, and the hilarious near-misses. We learn best from the unvarnished truth.

How Else I Can Help

I also offer consulting services based on my senior leadership experience and am available for speaking engagements, including events, keynotes, podcasts, and course recordings.

For further details, contact me here or reply to this email.

Thanks for reading and see you next time!

Stay Connected

• Harmonised Success Website

• Follow me on LinkedIn