There is a wide variety of people involved in teaching and organizing tango, with different motivations and different levels of commitment. As a result there is a huge range of different ways of communicating and collaborating.
I think our collaborations would be stronger if teachers and organizers raised the standard of professional courtesy between one another. Here are some simple habits that would make a big difference if applied consistently:
Assume good intentions from your colleagues.
Do what you say you will do when you say you will do it.
Show up early for events you have been hired for. Don’t show up when the event is supposed to start, and certainly never late.
Make professional introductions. Connect people who could help each other when there is mutual interest and openness.
When you have been introduced to someone who can benefit you or your work, be courteous:
Communicate courteously with the person you have been introduced to.
Keep the person who made the introduction aware of the benefit that was created by their introduction.
When asking for work or an introduction, be professional:
Present your offerings clearly. Write clearly.
Explain the benefit you bring to the community
Explain your availability and needs, including hosting and financial parameters
Support other tango professionals on the social media platforms you’re active on.
Greet your colleagues at milongas. Reach out to those you’ve worked with in the past when you will be sharing a city or event with them.
Show respect for the people who have taught you and facilitated your learning. Consider what would be meaningful to them.
Credit other tango professionals for concepts, language, movements or insights you learned from them, in classes and also in informal conversation.
Thank people for the things they have done for you promptly and sincerely.
Professional courtesy also entails the basic maxim of not being a jerk. For instance:
Do not assume that you should be comped for milonga attendance.
Do not use tango as a currency. Do not assume if you help someone, they should dance with you.
Do not ridicule or gossip about other tango professionals overtly or implicitly. Share your unique perspective without undermining others.
I believe that raising our standards of professional courtesy will increase our ability to create value together and for our communities.