Frequently when Cathy and I do a presentation someone will mention how we project such a strong partnership. More than one person has said they wanted to pursue Clarity training so they could create the same partnership energy in their marriage or their work team.

This is not something we consciously do when we present. It’s the way we do our life all the time. While being in love certainly contributes to our desire to work as a collaborative team, it’s not the critical element. I’ve worked on other collaborative, supportive teams with people I really didn’t like all that much. However, I did have a deep desire to serve the team’s common purpose.

Whether you want collaboration on a work team or marriage, the following proven techniques work.

1. Have a shared vision: When you have a shared vision for what you want to create together, and how you want to be with each other, it’s easier to ignore the small, trivial individual idiosyncrasies that might otherwise cause disagreements. Everything you do is always viewed under the umbrella of this vision.
2. Create a space of trust, safety and accountability: Creating an atmosphere of safety means people can be real and their actions and contributions are valued. When you and your partners(s) are responsible and accountable for your own thoughts and behaviors, you create a deep level of trust with each other.
3. Playfulness always helps: Having fun and being lighthearted results in a sense of joy and helps you stay in the present moment. It’s difficult to be resistant or reactive when you are having fun being in the flow of the day together.
4. Kindness is mandatory: This means accepting people as they are, and relating to them from compassion and empathy. When you are kind to your partner(s) you help create more unity and refrain from using your differences to criticize and judge.
5. Collaboration trumps competition: Collaboration uses the energy of contribution and a team approach to the common purpose. Everyone participates fully with a deeper sense of dedication. This is highly effective when responding to external competition. Internal competition among partners is destructive and highly ineffective.

It’s simple, if not easy. Know where you want to go together, trust each other, have fun, be kind and an effective collaboration will happen.

Being a partner,

Gary