Teaching the waltz requires patience on the part of the dance  instructor as well as the dance partners who are learning together.

I remember a student who kept struggling with rhythm. Assuming he wasn’t listening, wasn’t committed enough or just didn’t care, his partner became increasingly impatient. The tension increased with each error. She harshly corrected him as she clenched her grip. He withdrew, hesitant, his movements becoming stiffer.

I paused their practice and gently asked, what is it they think is happening.
Her immediate reply was that he is not paying attention.

But he mentioned that
while he was hearing the music, he kept doubting himself if he was stepping in rhythm.”

An interesting  philosophical adage   Hanlon’s Razor comes to mind…
‘Never attribute to malice that which can be explained by misunderstanding, incompetence, or a simple mistake.’

The student wasn’t disengaged   -he was overwhelmed. His hesitation was caused by uncertainty, not neglect.

So all it needed was reframing the exercise.

We slowed down and concentrated on trust, posture and our breath. He regained his footing when his partner softened.

Leadership, much like dance, is about recognizing the unseen struggles behind each misstep.

Where might frustration be clouding reality in your professional life?

What assumptions could you challenge today to lead with more grace and understanding?