What elements are necessary for fostering an effective thought partnership?

The following are the best conditions for an effective thought partnership:

• One-on-one communication

• Give and take in communication

• Communication without negativity, or an unspoken agenda

• Communication about a wide variety of subjects (so much gold is discovered, purely accidentally)

• Communication over an extended period of time, ideally 2 hours or more, rather than brief communication (the longer the duration of the communication, the better); road trips and long walks are great for communication

• Enjoyment of each other’s company, engagement, and interaction, whether in person, on the phone, or on social media (in person, would, clearly, have the most impact)

• Likemindedness

• Trust in the other person's morals, acumen, judgement, and ability to take things seriously

• Unhesitant courage to share your own thoughts, feelings, and ideas

• Belief in the the other person's ability to help you clarify your thinking, or to contribute to your thinking

• Trust (which usually emerges over time, and which strengthens, the longer your relationship)

One-on-one in-person communication, for 1) at least a one-hour duration, 2) with a person you trust, 3) who is someone you believe can help you clarify your thinking, or contribute to your thinking, and 4) whose company, or interaction with, you enjoy, is best for a satisfying and productive thought partnership.

If such a person exists in your life, or will make themselves available to you, schedule to meet them, for at least an hour, whenever you feel you need their help, to clarify, or confirm your thinking, or if you think they can contribute to your thinking.

If one-on-one meetings are not possible, talk to them on the phone.

It is far less effective to use social media to lobby one-way ideas you feel strongly about, if you want to develop a satisfying and productive thought partnership.

You will ruin any possibilities of meaningful interaction, if you go that route.

I repeat...one-on-one in-person communication, for 1) at least a one-hour duration, 2) with a person you trust, 3) who is someone you believe can help you clarify your thinking, or contribute to your thinking, and 4) whose company, or interaction with, you enjoy, is best for a satisfying and productive thought partnership.