There’s a saying out there that two heads are better than one, and I guess I agree with it. That’s because I’ve spent the last 14 years working with one of the best partners ever—my husband and creative director, Juan Pablo Ruiz—and by putting our two heads together, I feel I’ve accomplished more than I ever could have alone.
I have met people who chuckle and tell me they could NEVER work with their partner, and I understand where they are coming from. Working with your spouse takes a different skill set than working with someone unrelated to you. Not only is the work at stake but also your relationship. But if you can do it successfully, I say working with your spouse can be one of the most rewarding experiences there is. At least it certainly has been for me!
Here are my top eight tips for working with your spouse:
1. Have patience with one another
Working with each other gives you the advantage and disadvantage of feeling the each other’s stress and pain as you go through the workday. Try to see everything through your partner’s eyes and realize that on some days, your partner will require more help from you than others, and vice versa. For example, when one of us travels, the other one knows they must take care of the children.
2. Respect each other’s space
It’s very important to have a separate work space from each other. JP and I have almost always worked out of the house, even before COVID-19. I am in the basement and he is in his upstairs office, where we will not disturb each other if we are on the phone or want to play music. Having our own space also helps us focus on what we need to do.
3. Solidify processes and systems
Treat the home like your business. When in doubt, create a process. Focus on the task that needs to be done and create a process, putting emotions aside to make sure you are heading towards your goals in the most efficient way. Ask yourself, what is the best thing to do? What have we done in the past?
4. Communicate
JP and I have regular meetings about business and life. We talk about our dreams and our opportunities—again in business, as in life. At the end of our meetings, we give each other action items. Doing this has had an incredible effect on us because we can zoom out and see how we have set goals and accomplished them and we can see all we have done together. And that’s a wonderful bonding experience!
5. Take the time to appreciate each other
You each bring something special to the partnership. Be proud of your spouse and give them the kudos they deserve when they achieve a milestone, close a client, rock a meeting, etc. Your positive energy will fuel their positive energy! And before long, if you’re not already getting them, you’ll be getting those compliments too!
6. Celebrate wins
In business, as in life, you will achieve milestones together. When you do, take time to celebrate! For JP and I, we like to take a little time off and do something creatively freeing, like a mini “road rally” in a beautiful car to an incredible natural spot and have a photo session.
7. Build on each other’s inspiration
As partners, be dream catchers for each other. JP supports my passion for aviation, and I support his passion for auto racing. A few years ago, we worked together to create an incredible coffee table book called Living the Amazing. It included a glimpse into our hopes, dreams, and achievements as a couple. It was a very tangible result of how we can inspire each other and co-create together.
Working with your spouse can truly transform you from two professional individuals into a co-creating, co-dreaming power couple. Yes, two heads can be better than one with patience, understanding, and a shared sense of rules and values.
Jacqueline Camacho-Ruiz is the CEO of JJR Marketing (www.jjrmarketing.com) and Fig Factor Media LLC international book publishing company (www.figfactormedia.com), founder of The Fig Factor Foundation (www.thefigfactor.org), creator of Today’s Inspired Latina book series and international movement (http://www.todayslatina.com), author of thirteen books (www.jackiecamacho.com), international speaker, and pilot. Jacqueline speaks to hundreds of audiences about marketing, servant leadership, finding your passion, and achieving success in business. She has addressed the United States Army, BP International, United Airlines, Allstate, and Farmers Insurance among other corporations to share her inspiration.
If you or an organization you know needs as speaker, please get in touch with us at https://www.jackiecamacho.com/contact.