SynthesisSynthesis is the opposite

Synthesis
Synthesis is the opposite to analysis, it is the ability to
combine parts or elements to form a whole. ‘Holistic’ is a
useful word to explain this approach. ‘Wholes’ are produced
by grouping units together where it is difficult to analyse
them into their parts without losing the wholeness. When
thinking creatively, there is a need to be able to see the wood
for the trees (holism) rather then just the trees (analysis).
The ability to be able to think about organisations and teams,
opportunities and problems as wholes is extremely important.
In business, the whole is greater than the sum of the
parts. Creative thinkers in business need to see the whole
view to be able to yield solutions. It is not productive to see
things just as a marketing problem or a production problem,
for example. By deliberately refraining from analytical
thinking beyond a certain point, synthesis will take over and
the whole will take shape.
The Gestalt school of psychology bases itself on the
following principles:
• the overall significance of behaviour rather than a
mechanistic explanation
• the relationship between events, rather than just the
events themselves
• events don’t happen in isolation, but in a context
which gives them significance.
Managers without holistic minds tend to take a narrow view
of problems, seeing them related only to a single function,
e.g. ‘This is a Marketing problem’.
When we synthesise we are putting elements together to
make a compound. This is how ideas can begin as seeds and
grow inside our minds.
The idea of ideas growing can bring a reluctance to analyse
ideas too early, but rather to let them develop before
submitting them for criticism from others. By becoming more
aware of holistic thinking and it’s importance you will be
able to deliberately refrain from analysis and develop the
skills to allow the whole to take shape in your mind.
Valuing
Valuing is the third essential skill in effective thinking and
decision-making. To make decisions you must be able:
• to establish the true facts; and
• to know what to do.
Time should be taken to discover the true facts as this will
make knowing what to do easier. In the process of establishing
the truth we use the skill of valuing alongside
analysis, synthesis, depth mind and intuition.
Another form of valuing is knowing who to trust and when
to trust to get the truth. This is where educated intuition
comes in. Questioning is a valid method of establishing the
credentials of the adviser and the credibility of the advice.
Experience will help you to recognise the people who:
• tell you what they think you want to hear
• express a view thinking it will agree with your own
• are watching their backs
• try to hide things.
Be scrupulous in establishing the truth as bad advisers may
give you interpretations of the situation which are from their
objective. They may give you information to help you follow
a particular course of action which they want you to follow.
Beware of inaccurate figures, errors in facts and assumptions
as they will divert you from the truth. You should try to
surround yourself with advisers you can trust, who are in touch
with the reality around them and who are loyal to their commitment
to truth. By the same means, be willing to admit when
you are wrong, you will be setting a good example.