It Takes Two To Tango

There is a great African proverb. “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together”.

I recently forwarded my managers contact number to someone who had requested it. As it is for many, I assume, the contact did not read simply as his name but included a nickname in the middle, ‘Tango’. The person quickly responded asking did that make me ‘Cash’, along with a screenshot of the light-hearted 1989 film Tango & Cash. I confirmed with a chuckle.

For memory, the flick was about two cops who were framed and end up in jail. Sylvester Stallone and Kurt Russell played the lead roles as Tango & Cash, respectively. I vaguely recall Cash being the loose unit and Tango a little more reserved. Personality traits was not what I was thinking about when I anointed my manger, it was the partnership they shared that I was trying to exemplify.

Moving forward he and I needed to have each other’s backs and support one another to set a pathway for other staff to follow. Such a relationship arrangement is integral to success. Like Tango & Cash my manager and I are completely different, but we compliment each other and are building a solid foundation.

In life we can have Tango & Cash relationships in all areas. Marriage is possibly the most obvious but think of your best friend too. In some cases, this is the same person. You may be blessed to have a large social network but who is your sidekick, your partner, your safety net? A quote I love is “A great friend is easy to talk to and easy not to talk to”. Some relationships or duos build on different dynamics but essentially survive or thrive because everyone is comfortable with the role of the other.

In the same phone I have dubbed another work colleague with her own nickname, ‘Roy’. Walt Disney is a household name and conjures up images of Mickey Mouse, beautifully animated princesses, and magical kingdoms in far away lands. You may not have heard of Roy Disney, however. Roy was Walt’s older brother and an acute businessman. While Walt was the public face of Disney and provided the spark and imagination for most Disney ventures it was Roy who made it work. Roy was a strong and guiding influence in the ‘back room’. Together they created a dynasty. My colleague is aware of her nickname and understands her role as the ‘How’ to my ‘Why’ and I am extremely grateful.

Life partners provide the ultimate relationship and can comprise of two totally different personalities or alternatively 2 kindred spirits. Like any of the relationships mentioned above this one requires work and attention. Trust is a massive element that once established is like “Oil to an engine” as described by Neale Daniher in his book “When All Is Said and Done”.

I caught up with ‘Jim’ last week who visited the pub for 4 consecutive nights. He was in town for the May Race carnival and has done since the pub opened 14 years ago. He is 74, lives alone in Melbourne and visits the race track each day on his own. It is not my place to feel sorry for his solitude nor pass judgement. This year I took the time to dine with Jim and probe a little further. What wisdom could I gain from a humble and lovely gentleman who has graced the planet for 30 years more than myself?

It tuned out there had been co-pilots, buddies and offsiders who had made the annual pilgrimage to the carnival but sadly most had passed. He did enjoy his own Tango & Cash scenario but was now devoid of that companionship.

It reminded me to look for the person or persons in your life that help bring great purpose. There may be many, there may be few, perhaps just one. Acknowledge their role in your life and be grateful while you can. Perhaps like Woody & Buzz did in the movie Toy Story, remind them that “You’ve got a friend in me”.