In Winnipeg, I had a great time speaking with couples and wives in search of the secret to a happy marriage. I’m excited to share with you an unbelievable story told to me while interviewing Darlene, a wife of more than 23 year. Look out for that on Monday.
The last couple I interviewed in Winnipeg was Irene & Dick, a successful husband and wife team with a large company and over 100 employees in the area. During our conversation, as they were sharing with me their pathway to where they are today, Dick pondered our discussion. “I was thinking as you were talking,” he began. “There is a great business book, Good to Great. In the book the writer determined what the difference was between good companies and great companies and how one could take a leap between the two positions,” he continued.
I love Good to Great. One of my favorite business books of all time so I was familiar with its content and fascinated to hear what he thought that had to do with marriage. “Do you remember what he discovered was the difference between good companies and great ones?” he inquired. Uh huh. “Great companies gave more to their customers, requiring less in return,” he concluded.
He then began recounting the past few days and how he gave around the house or to Irene and then began to question his own motives, like he was giving a self-review.
“We have a good marriage. We’ve always had a good marriage. But do we have a great marriage? Can we have a great marriage?” he asked audibly but seemed to be posing the question to himself. “Do I give more and require less?” he continued in his self-examination.
As he was examining his heart, I had to examine my own. Do I consistently give more and require less? Do I always remember to be courteous, say thank you, give to my husband as I would to a stranger? I’d love to believe I am consistent in this area but I’m not certain of that. There are certain things over the years I’ve come to feel more entitled to or about. That changes. Today.
Question: Do you believe one of the keys to a successful marriage is what Dick said, giving more and requiring less?
If you’re happily married and haven’t taken the time to join the Club, make sure to join us today. It takes only seconds and, of course, it’s completely free. Until Monday…make it a great weekend!
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