Welcome to Life—a sometimes complex, usually hurried and often amazing journey that knits us together. Navigate along side, wife, mom and entrepreneur Judith Manigault as she explores current issues and offers fresh insight into the demands of Family, faith and work to help you live a more balanced life—now!

PARTNERS

A husband and wife team, dear friends of ours, has decided to take the entrepreneurial leap. But with a shortage of funds to start their new venture, they now have to think of more creative ways to raise the necessary capital in this—especially lean economy. As we talked about some of the creative ways in which they could make this happen, we quickly began delving into some of the real key issues. The real problem was not a lack of money (There are a number of creative ways to raise funds, provided that both parties are in agreement.) But was more importantly, their inability to manage the strengths and weaknesses of their unique partnership. That is, how to respect their creative differences without exercising undue criticism and understanding that as a team they were so much bigger and better than they could possibly be as separate entities. Funny thing, I can still remember the challenges that Richard and I experienced as we tried to walk the very unique and sometimes challenging fine line that married business partners must sometimes walk. On a daily basis we balanced the responsibilities of raising a family, paying the mortgage and the infinite details of running a business.

As we struggled through the customary period of trying to crack the work/life balance code (some days more successfully than others), we learned some valuable key lessons . Here are just a few!

A. A clear division of labor is crucial. After identifying the strengths and weaknesses of each teammate, allow your partner to be all they can be and trust them to do so. (Remember, they are not your clone and should not be expected to think and move the way you do.) This will save a tremendous amount of time and energy by avoiding unnecessary conflict and reducing your personal level of frustration.

B. When doing business, do business! Remember to switch hats when entering the work environment (Here, there is no room for ambiguity.) In the past, I can't tell you how often as partners (Richard and I) allowed personal and even marital concerns to filter into the work environment resulting in wasted time and misallocated energy. A key way we have found to preserve focus —is by simply being present. And by this I mean be in the moment, whether you are meeting the next company deadline or baking cookies with your six year old at home.

C. Agree to and establish ethical business practices along with daily habits that demonstrate mutual respect. An atmosphere of respect, honesty and trust goes a long way to creating a winning environment. Really listen to each other as you strategize and set goals. Whether it is re-writing the business plans for the fifth time or purchasing office furniture from abroad, each partner’s voice must be heard and validated. And remember, that once you have entered the work environment where critical decisions must be made, each partner comes in at equal footing. Honoring their skills, abilities and insights will not only boost company morale but will go a long way to a better, more efficient partnership.

D. Husbands: there's a great deal to be said for a woman's intuition. We have learned that its a great tool in interpersonal relationships, but it can also be of great use in business. I can't tell you how often, as a team we have saved time, money and the precious commodity of energy by simply honing in to the small still voice of the spirit. Its leading is impeccable and has truly become an invaluable helper.

E. Are you the company’s visionary? Be sure to not only paint the big picture but to also communicate the vision in great detail. Personally I have found that as Richard (in our case) shared the vision in a clear and compelling way, I was better able to contribute real solutions, the necessary insights and the best course of action allowing each project or venture to be seamlessly executed.

F. And last but not least, share the gift of laughter. As you have probably already learned, challenges and disagreement are an inevitable part of growth. But somehow, when we can laugh at ourselves we bounce back from the set-back a lot faster, and often, with a renewed sense of friendship and faith in the partnership. So when at all possible find the humor in your circumstances. I promise it will take you a long way.