Communication through Trust
One of the best parts of working with my business partner Alex is that we never mince words with one another.
I know where he stands on all the things that matter and I can't think of anything unsaid between us.
We speak directly because we trust each other. Without the trust, the communication would be frayed.
There are several layers to this trust and I thought it would be good to memorialize while I'm thinking about them.
This is an ode to the kinds of people I like to work with.
Character
I never want to doubt the character and integrity of the people I work with. If this is lost, no amount of communication can fix it.
Conviction
I want to see the world similarly at the deepest levels. If I have a fundamentally different starting point than someone else it's nearly impossible to make progress.
Clarity
I want to understand my counterparts view better than they do because it puts me a great position to explain the benefits of my thoughts against theirs. I appreciate the same in return.
Commitment
If I have to walk on eggshells that the slightest misstep will completely fray the relationship I'm going to avoid saying the hard things. I like working with people that are committed to the goals.
Control
Some people get upset when they get into difficult conversations. While frustration or sadness might be present that emotion is kept in it's place: a good indicator of how you feel but not the solution itself.
When people get out of control, especially with negative emotion, it is normally because you have violated a conviction lurking in the darkness which needs to be discussed.
I think these, and probably other items, are fundamental in working relationships. If trust feels small or relationships are strained look to these areas first.