The Importance of Anonymity: Lessons From the Dance Floor
by InKNOWnative, Shari Soroka
Aug 29, 2025
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Introduction: Why Anonymity Isn’t Optional
When we think about psychological safety, we often imagine teams openly sharing ideas, leaders inviting dissent, and colleagues having the courage to speak up. But the foundation of that trust is fragile—especially in environments where relationships and reputations matter deeply.
Anonymity is not about hiding. It’s about creating the conditions where people feel safe enough to tell the truth. Without it, even the best intentions can spark conflict, mistrust, and lasting fractures.
This is the lesson I learned not in a boardroom or a corporate setting, but in my own dance community.
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We’ve all had moments in our careers where the line between professional collaboration and personal relationships becomes blurry. Sometimes, what starts as a fun, casual venture devolves into frustration and disappointment. Today, I want to share a story that illustrates this challenge, especially in the context of psychological safety, trust, and setting healthy boundaries in collaboration.
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