The Biggest Struggle of Working With Your Spouse

Summary

• When couples work together in business, men often provide less context in their feedback. I advise men to over-explain and give more context, as it makes communication clearer.
• Women sometimes use emotions as explanations in business settings. It's beneficial for women to begin with data rather than emotions. This helps determine whether emotions are supported by data or not.
• By leading with data, women can better articulate their feelings and provide a logical foundation for their emotional responses.
• Clear communication between partners in business requires men to offer context and women to provide data, ensuring both parties understand each other better.

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How To Take Action

I would suggest implementing these strategies to improve communication in both business and personal growth areas.

First, if you’re in business with someone, especially if it's a male-female dynamic, practice clarity. For men, start providing more context in your feedback. Sometimes, you might think you’re being clear, but adding fine details can help your partner understand your views better. So, explain your thoughts a bit more than you initially think is necessary. This small step can lead to improved understanding and fewer misunderstandings.

For women, try to lead with data rather than emotions. Begin by identifying if there’s factual data to support your feelings. This doesn't mean you ignore your emotions; it just means you find out if there’s a logical basis behind them. Doing this helps articulate your thoughts clearly and provides a strong foundation when discussing them.

A good way of doing this is by keeping a simple journal or note on your phone. When you have feelings about a situation, note them down, then backtrack to see if there’s any data or pattern supporting these emotions. This practice is a low-cost and effective way to build clear communication, both with yourself and your business partner. By blending context and data, you forge a stronger, more understanding partnership.