E! Online announced last week that Chris Pratt would appear on the TV show Mom to woo his real-life wife, Anna Faris. Pratt and Faris will join the ranks of many other successful celebrity couples who have worked together over the years, including:
- Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russel
- Emily VanCamp and Josh Bowman
- Kate and Andy Spade
- Bill and Melinda Gates
- Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard
- Nina and Tim Zagat
It is not uncommon for couples to work together or collaborate at some point in their careers, especially if they work in the same industry or have complementary professions. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics recently reported that nearly 1.4 million businesses are run by husband-and-wife teams. This can be a beneficial partnership for everyone involved – especially if the couple has established effective communication techniques.
Patience
There is a learning curve when you first start working with your partner or spouse. You’re figuring out not just how to work together, but also how to communicate differently. It can be jarring to switch back and forth from speaking to each other casually at home to making small talk at the water cooler. Practice patience with your partner and develop your work routine as naturally as possible.
Balance
Discuss work-life balance with your partner to determine what is important to each of you. It’s easy to get lost in your career, but make sure that you still create time in the evening to eat dinner together or catch up after a long day. Some couples choose not to talk about work at all when they are together in the evening while others prefer to share. Find a strategy that works for you and stick with it.
Build Each Other Up
Focus on complimenting personal strengths instead of offering critique like you might give to colleagues. Do not show favoritism, but also respect the special bond that exists between you and your partner. At the end of the day, jobs come and go but your spouse will be there for you forever.
Divide & Conquer
Many couples are surprised – and relieved – to discover that working together doesn’t always mean working in the same department. Often, couples have complementary, yet different strengths that make their skills relevant to one aspect of a project that does not coincide with their partner’s. Remember that you are still working toward a common goal and you still both play very important roles in the larger scheme of things. Trust each other as the experts in your respective areas and move forward stronger – together.
Check In
Communicate with your partner on a regular basis. Find out more about their satisfaction in the workplace or if there is anything you can do to help each other. Regular communication is key to success in the workplace and in your relationship.
Prioritize
If you ever have to make a decision between work and your partner, your true colors are bound to show through. Humans are valuable – and your chosen partner in life is the most valuable of all. Remind yourself how hard you’ve worked to achieve and maintain this amazing relationship. Once you realize the true impact your relationship has had on your life, it won’t even be a question. Your partner wins every time.
With the right communication and preplanning, it is possible to work alongside your partner and find professional success you can both enjoy. Contact us today to learn more about meeting someone who shares your industry savvy.
