From Antony and Cleopatra to Napoleon and Josephine – as well as Henry VIII and at least five of his six wives! – the path of true love seldom runs smooth. Recent research from business development company, Team Fusion, appears to support this, asserting that couples who work together are more likely than others to hit the skids.
However, locals Colin (Col) and Deb Dougherty from east Auckland-based Sleep Space, are not following suit.
“We’ve been married for close to 40 years and in business together, in one way or another, for more than 30,” Col says. “We brought up all of our kids (we have four) while we’ve been working together and it’s been great!”
During their decades as a partnership, Col and Deb have been in bedding together – the bedding industry, that is. Keeping the home fires burning and shop floor issues under control has been a balancing act. And yet, despite so much time spent together, Col credits time apart as the key to keeping their relationship sailing smoothly.
“The most important thing for us is to make sure we have our own areas to focus on – Deb does some things better than me, I do some things better than her and we look after our own parts of the business. It’s a seven day a week line of work so we have different days off and our own space. Having your own ‘me time’ is very important.”
Col and Deb aren’t the only pair begging to differ with contentions that business and private lives don’t mix – the Times received numerous posts online from local couples who have maintained happy, healthy partnerships despite such added pressures.
What ‘Love’ has to do with it…
It seems Col and Deb have their heads in the right space by allowing each other their own space at home and work. According to the aptly named Gaelene Adams Love from Team Fusion (mentioned above), failure to do so is among the main reasons couples who work and play together are, on average, more likely to split than those who keep their home and professional lives separate.
“Role disputes rank as a top reason why couples in business get divorced because the personal aspect of the relationship can create conflicts over roles and responsibilities. Without clear boundaries, these conflicts often spill over into the personal relationship,” she explains.
“A position description is necessary regardless of your role. Clearly defining who leads in different scenarios helps avoid power struggles. Decision making can be situational, collaborative, or managerial, but clarity is key.”
Fortunately, Ms Love has further advice for those who have yet to uncover the secrets of success enjoyed by the likes of Deb and Col.
“Perceptions of mistrust can also arise when financial and business-related stresses are not openly discussed. Aligning goals and creating a clear vision for both the business and the personal relationship can mitigate these tensions.”
In brief, couples should:
1. Define roles and responsibilities: Clearly outline who is responsible for what and establish decision-making protocols to avoid conflicts
2. Maintain clear communication: Regularly discuss business and personal issues openly. Ensure that both partners’ perspectives and concerns are heard. Take more lunch breaks together
3. Plan for the future together: Create a shared vision and set milestones for both the business and the personal relationship. This alignment helps in staying united and focused on common goals
More advice is accessible via www.teamfusion.co.nz.
