I had a blog post all ready and then my son said to me this morning that it would have been nice to have his parents together, but he also said that it was ok because he doesn’t remember us together and he says this is his “normal.” Deep sigh. Then he asked why they (marriages) don’t work. Really deep sigh. So, I talked with him about an article I once read that equated business and marriage. I thought this might be a better way of explaining it (and I could talk about business and sports interchangeably!):
1. Know Your Customer (or Coach’s) Expectations
Marriages seem to fail because expectations are not met. In my business, clients have expectations. In sports, coaches have expectations. We must strive to meet them.
In relationships, we often wait for our spouse to tell us our expectations – instead of asking. Everyone’s expectations are different and in order to have successful relationships we need to ask about expectations, know that they will be different from ours, but find a way to meet them anyway.
2. Exceed Your Customer (Coach’s) Expectations
While it’s critical that I meet my client’s expectations … anyone can do that. I want to exceed them. Same is true in relationships. It’s the “how” and the drive to do so that makes it work.
3. Know That Your Customer is Always Right
The coach and customer are always right. Well, they have a right voice their opinion, have it heard – I mean really heard, not lip service. Then, the ball (no pun intended) is in our court.
Example: You are upset with your spouse. Who is going to be “right?” Does it matter? Not really, listen to their needs and why they are frustrated and you may just be able to solve the problem without a “right” or “wrong.”
4. Take Care of Your Responsibilities
Just as in business, marriage comes with responsibilities. You can’t just let them go and think someone will pick up the slack. This is a no brainer. Make it equal (if that’s your deal), be responsible and don’t hold anger because of it.
5. Be Committed
We have to be committed to do the best job we can. Knowing that no experience is perfect, is the first step to success. This is one thing I’m learning now – I am not perfect and neither is anyone else in my life. Yet, I’m committed to their imperfections as I hope they are committed to mine.
So, I told him I was sorry that he wondered about something different. But, that life is not perfect and neither are his parents.
After he walked away I thought, just imagine if we all put the same focus and dedication on our business (and athletic pursuits) as we did in our relationships. Think of the amazing partnerships we could experience!
Sorry for the late post … life. Have a fantastic day!
theyearof50 