Ann, great article. I liked it. Structure, flow, a point to make — all strong.
One thing I challenge — comes from my point of view, is this ‘two-way street notion’. It is often used and interpreted as ‘balance’, fairness, doing-for-others, but I don’t think it plays out that way much in real life, or in people’s minds.
It’s much like the lawyer advising new-partners to sign the partnership agreement BEFORE they start the business because it is the only time they will ever agree they are equal.
I think ‘reciprocal’ relationships — ones built on reciprocity, not equality, are the secret to success. We are never equal, equivalent, or mirroring a partner — but we can have a really synergistic relationship built on ‘being there for each other in different ways which fit, which work, which show kindness, respect.’
Yes, reciprocity. Now that I’ve written this I think I’m going to write a piece on reciprocity.
