Note: There are multiple presentations within this topic, each with a slightly
different emphasis on the subject. Please select ONLY ONE of these.
Structuring the Structured Relationship –– Avoiding Crises and Building Stability
Long-term Master/slave relationships are not accidental; they require ongoing hard work. To a large extent, people get along better with one another when they openly discuss their expectations and wishes with regard to their own growth and the growth of their partner. There are certain tips and techniques – some borrowed from the world of business – that can be helpful before you enter into a relationship, during the development of the relationship, and to keep it running smoothly after it’s established. (NOTE: you might wish to bring pen and paper.)
Master/slave Relations: A Corporate Approach
When you think about it, many of the same program-planning techniques that business use to launch a new program initiative can usefully be applied to setting up a Master/slave relationship. Steps include researching Master/slave structures; studying examples in practice; developing screening criteria; interviewing candidates; devising a structure that fits these two people; monitoring and adjusting, as needed. (NOTE: you might wish to bring pen and paper.)
Introspection in the Master/slave Relationship
There are many, many stages in forming and maintaining a Master/slave relationship. You can start out with: “Why am I interested in having a Master or a slave?” or “What do I do when I suspect that I’ve made a mistake about this person?” While some issues (nearly invisible issues) fester and build discontent, other issues reveal themselves only after years of living together. We’ll explore these and many other topics in this interactive presentation. (NOTE: you might wish to bring pen and paper.)
Book Supporting this Presentation: Master/slave Relations: Handbook of Theory and Practice. Las Vegas: Nazca Plains, 2006