The Importance of Congruence in Partnerships and Practice

Director’s Blog- Originally posted on LinkedIn on January 31, 2025 by Managing Director Lisa Charlotte Davis

We’ve been thinking a lot about congruence in Changing Relations C.I.C. for the last year or so—how we can make sure to achieve congruence of organizational purpose and workplace practice; how we can develop ways of working that ensure we walk the walk of empathy, care, and inclusion.

Achieving Congruence in Organizational Purpose and Workplace Practice

What does this look like? How do we also set boundaries that protect our energies and keep ourselves in balance?

My conclusion from a series of invaluable conversations with our critical friend, Sue Spencer (which have taken place on my own, with my Artistic Director Kate Gorman, and with my Board members Rachael Barnwell and Alix Collingwood) is that there is no straightforward answer to this question.

It is an ongoing intricate dance. A negotiation of need.

There is much to say on this theme. And another day, I will share reflections on my relationship with myself and my sense of self in the world. As a person. A professional. To what extent am I congruent?

Congruence as a Key Ingredient in Partnerships

But today, after a week of enriching conversation, I want to reflect on congruence as a crucial ingredient in the partnerships we develop between ourselves and others.

I am really tired at the moment. It is a tough economic climate in which to operate as a small business in the voluntary/culture sector. Everyone is feeling the strain.

But it is absolutely a balm to connect with others who share an appreciation of the arts as a tool to support the social fabric; to connect with those who care deeply about the social fabric, in particular at a time when so many are feeling the strain.

From dance (Catherine Johns) to theatre (Jake Murray), visual arts and spoken word (Lizzie Lovejoy), a combined arts approach to engaging marginalized youth (Michelle Harland @ Creative Youth Opportunities CIC), and the County Durham Cultural Education Partnership (chaired by Simon J. James), it feels important and empowering to identify those with a shared sensibility and to work out how we can work together in mutual support.

This doesn’t mean we’re not bothering to reach beyond our bubble. In fact, what’s brilliant about all of the folks mentioned above is their commitment to breaking down barriers—the conviction that all forms of art are for all of the people—and the will to meaningful inclusion that this engenders.

But finding that congruence in the partners with whom we choose to work is in some ways as important as the bottom line. It affects our capacity to thrive.

So—thank you for the congruent conversations, everyone…

And to Tracy Thomas for this beautiful image of Pollyanna Turner’s ceramic piece depicting folk walking side by side.