‘I can’t read your mind’

One of the partnerships I am following had a wobbly patch just recently.  The two key partners were tired, a little fed-up.  Temporarily, their joint project felt more challenging than delightful.  For a while, neither partner knew what was needed, for themselves or for each other.  At one point one person said to the other: ‘I can’t read your mind’.

So the partners stepped back briefly from the main task, drafting in other support to keep things going while they checked in with each other.  They took the chance to listen to each other and communicate properly.  It didn’t take long before things back on track.

Or rather, things were more or less back on track. The people involved remained a little wobbly; but they understood more about each other and how to look out for each other.

Actually this was a fairly minor morning episode in the life of a small family, but it reminded me strongly of comments from some people I’ve interviewed, and who’ve responded to my survey.  Communication is key: clarity is essential. We can’t read each others’ minds, even if we want to.  There are tools and techniques to draw on when extra help is needed to re-focus and re-energise the project.

I’m getting especially interested in the practical tools that exist to help us access common-sense approaches.  One very useful (and unusual) resource suggested to me is The partnership analysis tool – by Victoria Health, Australia.  It gives three exercises to work through at different stages of a partnership.  You can download it at: www.vichealth.vic.gov.au/~/media/About%20Us/Attachments/VHP%20part%20toollow%20res.ashx