There is only one rule I would say it is essential to be an effective team: always speak the truth.
For me that’s both a radical and a complex concept.
It has to do with being always yourself. It has to do with speaking your mind, and letting your thoughts, feelings and emotions a space for expression, even when you are not sure you are right, or even when you fall apart.
It requires, of course, a practice of being present and truthful with yourself in the first place.
This level of transparency can only work in reciprocal relationships, where you can be yourself and also receive the other with total respect and care.
Ieva and I have dealt with disagreements and issues as the Dance in Conversation team. At moments, one of us has even fallen apart. But, we always have gone through those moments with open and straight conversations. With her, I have always found the space to say what I think or feel, even when I’m not sure I’m right, and I would say, especially when I’m not sure I’m right.
I trust that Ieva has had the same experience in our meetings online or face to face, as we mentioned in our latest podcast episode.
There is context of course for all this: we share the same vision and values. And we want the same thing.
Working like that, with truth in our hearts, has given us a power: the power of being an imperfect team, thriving in planned improvisations.
Rather than following rigid schedules, we have learnt to improvise and trust the process and the flow of events and conversations. We have learnt that when there is presence and truth, you don’t need to finish all the bullet points. Very often, the first line in a dialogue is enough to dive deeper and get somewhere.
We have learnt also that it is better to do it ‘wrong’ being ourselves, rather than pretend to follow the ‘right steps’ of anyone else.
The truth is not easy, it’s not rosy. But it is damn exciting. In writing this I’m honouring a relationship that, I know, will never be perfect, but it will always be who we are.
