Building Trust through Tango

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Dreaming of Becoming a Dancer
• Finding a Passion for Tango
• The Power of Trust in Business
• The Importance of Connection
• Communication: A Key Element in Trust Building
• The Significance of Completion
• Dealing with Anxiety in Trust Building
• The Consequences of Force vs Trust
• The Impact of Building Trust in Various Contexts
• Conclusion

Dreaming of Becoming a Dancer

Introduction

Growing up, I had dreams of becoming a dancer. However, my lack of coordination and the discouragement from my grade school gym teacher led me to believe that becoming a dancer was an impossible dream. Despite this setback, I eventually discovered my true passion and built a successful career in the form of a co-working space. Surprisingly, I also found my way back to dancing through the art of tango. This unexpected turn of events taught me valuable lessons about trust, both in business and in life.

Dreaming of Becoming a Dancer

From a young age, the idea of becoming a dancer fascinated me. However, my lack of coordination quickly extinguished the flame of my aspirations. Instead of participating in gym class, my gym teacher encouraged me to sit on the bleachers and Read a book. I slowly accepted the Notion that I would Never be able to dance, especially ballet, without even taking a single class.

Finding a Passion for Tango

When I moved to Los Angeles, I unexpectedly got cast in a reality television Show called "Ballroom Boot Camp." This show, similar to "Dancing with the Stars," featured individuals who were not professional dancers. As fate would have it, the dance I was assigned was tango. I was terrified, as I believed that a hopeless klutz like myself could never master this intricate dance form.

Despite my fears, I immersed myself in learning how to tango. To my surprise, this seemingly impossible feat transformed into a passion that would change the trajectory of my life. Tango not only gave me confidence but also provided the courage to establish my own business.

The Power of Trust in Business

In the world of business, trust plays a crucial role in achieving success. Sadly, the levels of trust within organizations are alarmingly low. According to Harvard Business Review, less than 40% of employees trust their management, and even fewer believe that their management trusts them. However, trust is not only essential but also financially advantageous.

A study conducted by the Great Place to Work Institute revealed that companies with high levels of trust consistently perform three times better financially compared to those with low levels of trust. Clearly, trust has a significant impact on the outcomes and overall success of a business.

The Importance of Connection

Building trust always begins with establishing a connection. In tango, this connection is established through eye contact. Similarly, in the office environment, subtle gestures such as maintaining eye contact and smiling serve as indicators of a willingness to engage in conversation.

At work, this connection can be forged through the practice of an "office cabeceo." This casual walk past someone's desk allows for nonverbal communication, indicating whether the individual is available for a conversation or not. Building trust through connection sets the stage for effective communication and collaboration.

Communication: A Key Element in Trust Building

Once a connection is established, effective communication becomes pivotal in building trust. In tango, partners communicate their dance moves through nonverbal cues. Likewise, in the workplace, taking a moment to connect with someone on a human level before making requests leads to better outcomes.

By acknowledging individuals as human beings with emotions and experiences, trust can be nurtured and communication can become more effective. Trust-building requires clear and empathetic communication, ensuring that everyone is on the same page and understands the expectations.

The Significance of Completion

Completing a dance step in tango at the right pace and with synchronicity is essential to maintaining balance and harmony. Rushing through a step can knock the follower off balance, causing anxiety and eroding trust between partners.

Similarly, in the workplace, overwhelming employees with an excessive number of projects without allowing them time to make progress on existing ones can lead to anxiety and a breakdown in trust. Completing tasks in a Timely and considerate manner demonstrates respect and nurtures trust in the workplace.

Dealing with Anxiety in Trust Building

Building trust often involves navigating moments of anxiety, as there is an inherent vulnerability in stepping into trust. In tango, missteps and accidental toe-stepping are common, serving as reminders that trust can be fragile. However, the most crucial aspect lies in how these missteps are handled.

Leaders in tango and in the workplace have a choice when mistakes occur. They can choose to force their followers or employees, displaying aggression and undermining trust further. Alternatively, they can approach the situation with understanding, clear communication, and a shared commitment to improvement. This choice determines the future of trust within the relationship.

The Consequences of Force vs Trust

Force and trust yield vastly different outcomes. Choosing force may yield short-term compliance, but it erodes trust and inhibits the potential for growth and collaboration. On the other HAND, trust-building creates an environment where individuals feel inspired and motivated to contribute their best work.

In the workplace, trust allows for innovation, increased productivity, and Cohesive teamwork. While missteps in trust-building may cause temporary disruptions, choosing trust over force creates a foundation that fosters long-term success and a thriving work environment.

The Impact of Building Trust in Various Contexts

The practice of nonverbal micro moments of trust in tango transcends the dance floor and extends into various areas of life. The skills learned from tango can be applied to build trust in other contexts, such as personal relationships and community engagement.

Trust serves as the foundation for Meaningful connections and the realization of shared goals. When individuals step into trust with each other, they Create an environment where collaboration, compassion, and creativity thrive.

Conclusion

Transforming from a hopeless klutz into a dancer epitomizes the power of overcoming self-doubt. Through my personal Journey in tango, I discovered the importance of trust in both business and life. Building trust requires connection, effective communication, and the willingness to navigate moments of anxiety. The choice to prioritize trust over force has significant implications for individual growth, team dynamics, and overall success. Embracing trust sets the stage for collective achievements that are both grander and more beautiful than anything we can create alone.