Corporate Vocabulary Field Guide

What “Synergy” Actually Means

Combined effect greater than the sum of parts, often used to justify mergers or cross-team work.

What it actually means
I have no specific plan but I do have a slide.
Surface meaning: Combined effect greater than the sum of parts, often used to justify mergers or cross-team work.
If someone just said “Synergy” in a meeting, here is what they probably meant, what to do about it, and how to keep your sanity.
In the wild
Exec: There's real synergy here between the two orgs. (Six months later: layoffs.)
How to respond

When you hear it, ask for one specific named workflow that becomes faster or cheaper. The silence is informative.

Origin

Greek 'synergos' (working together). Weaponized by 1990s management consulting and never recovered.

FAQ
What does "Synergy" actually mean?
I have no specific plan but I do have a slide.
Where did the phrase "Synergy" come from?
Greek 'synergos' (working together). Weaponized by 1990s management consulting and never recovered.
How should I respond when someone says "Synergy"?
When you hear it, ask for one specific named workflow that becomes faster or cheaper. The silence is informative.
Related corporate vocabulary
Alignment→Stakeholder→Move the Needle→North Star→Blue-Sky Thinking→
Next in the glossary
Drill Down→Deep Dive→Boil the Ocean→

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