Strength and benefits of synergy more important now than ever
When people and communities unite and work together, they can achieve great things (1). In celebration of the 201st anniversary of the Greek people's Freedom from the Ottoman Turks in 1821, a successful event at Melbourne's Grand Hyatt was attended by many on Friday 25th of March. Attendees were witness to an extraordinary happening. Australians of Greek heritage, a number of their organisations and others including the HMSA, were united and came out in full force to celebrate and show their support at the inaugural Grecian Ball, which was organised by the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM), the Greek National Day Council of Victoria and the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia.
HMSA Drs Arthur Kokkinias, George Proimos, Con Giannelis, Marinis Pirpiris & George Stabelos
Synergy is, "an interaction or cooperation giving rise to a whole that is greater (sometimes much greater) than the simple sum of its parts". (2) The term synergy comes from the Attic Greek word συνεργία, synergia from synergos, συνεργός, meaning "working together" and sources state that the English version of the word was apparently coined in the 16th or mid 19th centuries (2-3). Synergistic efforts can be a significant effort or outcome multiplier. If those of Greek heritage have something to do with the source or invention of the word, then should they be relative "experts" at practicing it?.. Synergising is also the 6th habit in Dr Steven Covey's internationally renowned, " The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People." The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People has sold more than 40 million copies in 40 languages worldwide and remains one of the best selling nonfiction business books in history. This is only one example of a good idea with Greek roots that has been refined or popularised by others globally. .and why not?
Greek thought and values timeless?.. and relevant to modern Australia & the world today.
Science, medicine, democracy, the Olympics, freedom of the individual and of speech and many more positive contributions to the western or greater world. All prototyped, contributed significantly to, or popularised by ancient or more modern people of Greek heritage.
At this 25th March event, an impressive and meaningful speech, GCM President Mr Bill Papastergiadis established relevance by making the link from past to present, by showcasing four themes in the Greek Revolution of 1821, which are still relevant to us and internationally (1).
“The first thing is the foundational role of ancient Greece in Western civilisation, and an idolisation of ancient Greece and what relationship that had to the uprising,” he said. “I also want to talk about the role of the diaspora, the people outside of Greece in the formation of the modern Greek nation. Equally, our story of multiculturalism in Australia and how this helps us to understand the uprising, and finally the shared values and bonds between our two wonderful countries,” he said, adding that celebrating Greece’s independence is a “unique experience” for migrants, as the Greek War of Independence drew support from the diaspora (1).
Pandemic raw, Ukraine conflict even rawer.
The event took place amidst the ongoing global struggle with the pandemic albeit at a much less restricted level than previously. Whilst we were all enjoying our lavish dinners, our thoughts were with ordinary people in Ukraine, ten million of whom are now displaced as a result of the war. Ukraine of course, also has significance for those of Greek heritage, as the Filiki Eteria or Society of Friends (Greek: Φιλική Εταιρεία or Εταιρεία των Φιλικών) was a secret organization founded in 1814 in Odessa, Ukraine, whose purpose was to overthrow the Ottoman rule of Greece and establish an independent Greek state (5).
Liberal opposition leader Matthew Guy, who shares Ukrainian heritage, made a passionate and well received speech, drawing parallels between the Greek fight for independence and the current plight of Ukraine. Mr Guy's Ukrainian grandparents fled Stalin’s Soviet Union in 1949. As has been said in the media by others recently, “What happens in Ukraine will affect Australia from our petrol prices to inflation in the world economy. But even more importantly than that, this fight in Ukraine is everyone’s business, is everyone’s struggle, because we believe in this country in freedom.”(6). We hope and pray for peace.
The Kings of Greece: increasingly methodical, strategic, systematic.
With so many leaders in the room, be it politicians, organisational, religious and community leaders, it would be normal to reflect on how we are all going?
When it comes to leadership, many of our governmental, organisational and community leaders and their teams, here and overseas, are getting more sophisticated and often more balanced in their approaches. One would hope that they/we are mindful of acting in a professional and ethical manner. That is, with the best interests of members and the public in mind, rather than just acting out of self interest, which history has shown, leads to a dead end. When it comes to leadership, it's a tough gig finding and knowing what type of leaders we should invest in, when we are allowed a true choice. In the 2004 epic historical war drama film Troy, which is loosely based on The Iliad, King Agamemnon, in his interactions with the other Kings of Greece and with protagonist Achilles, played by Brad Pitt, Agamemnon states to his royal advisor Nestor,.. "Before me, Greece was nothing! I brought all the Greek kingdoms together! (Synergy!) I created a nation out of fire worshipers and snake-eaters! I build the future, Nestor! ME!", he exclaims!.. and continues.. "I will smash their (Troy's) walls to the ground, if it costs me 40,000 Greeks! Hear me, Zeus! I will smash their walls to the ground!! Wow, a mortal that is telling the gods what and how it will happen? That's grit and determination for you!
Agamemnon of course, is the main antagonist and certainly an example of a driven and determined leader. He is however, the cruel and tyrannical supreme king of Mycenae. In the movie Troy, there is a tension of priorities and values between him and Achilles. Achilles, like many of us mere mortals, is also reported to have had his "issues". One commentator stated that, "Achilles also easily meets criteria for narcissistic personality disorder. His arrogance, lack of empathy, and sense of entitlement are clear ", suggests one analysis (4). Achilles said that, “Love honours me and favours my designs” and believes he is owed “honour and fame at least.” The same commentator suggested that Achilles also shows strong traits of obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (fixation on honour and revenge as well as excessive mourning of Patroclus) and schizotypal personality disorder (a curious tendency to speak in iambic pentameter.)(4). Yet there is much to be admired in his courage and determination also and perhaps in his wish to leave a long term legacy for himself and the Greeks. "They will be talking about this war for a thousand years", says Achilles. Whether we agree with this analysis and his actions or not, despite their different underlying motivations or priorities, Agamemnon and Achilles, the Kings of Greece and all the others, eventually find a way to co-operate and work together, for mutual benefit (Synergy!).
There is strength in unity and also in diversity. Maybe a little bit of psyche or personality outside of the "norm", laced with an unwavering determination and a good dose of believing in one's self, even if that involves an aspect of narcissism and other personality traits, are sometimes required at the top to get things done? Einstein once said, "If at first, an idea doesn't sound at least a little bit crazy, maybe it has nothing going for it." Perhaps the same applies to ourselves at times. That's partly where innovation comes from. As long as the organisations and individuals in them work well and achieve meaningful outcomes. However, society should beware of the dangers of laws or systems that leave too much power in the hands of one or a few individuals before it's too late, in case their personalities and judgements are not so perfect. Does this ring a bell in recent times and historically? While our leaders and their teams are important to derive goals, drive strategy and inspire the masses, lets always "begin with and keep the end in mind" ie the preservation of a good set of values and a positive legacy to be passed on to others. In the finale, the glory and any meaningful legacy, are not just about us as individuals, it is mostly about what we can do together for the service of the community. Our legacy will be etched in the minds of those and others who we impact through our actions. That is synergy!
References:
1. Sinanidis, Mary ‘It’s a shared journey’: Grecian Ball was all about unity. Accessed 27/9/22 at: https://greekherald.com.au/community/its-a-shared-journey-grecian-ball-was-all-about-unity/
2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Synergy
3. https://www.etymonline.com/word/synergy
4.Walling, WH. Antisocial personality disorder: a new heel for Achilles? West J Med. 2002 May; 176(3): 212–214.
5. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Filiki_Eteria
6. https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/ukrainian-australians-keep-hope-alive-amid-fears-for-families-in-war-zone-20220227-p5a020.html