These five successful couples are partners in business as well as in marriage, and they have words of wisdom for every couple balancing the delight of being in their element, and the discomfort of being outside it, as they achieve success together.
Corporate Directors 3 Mark & Myrna Atha Combining Strengths
It sounds like a riddle, but it isn’t: “We both do all aspects of the business together, but we don’t always do them together.” This is how the Athas explain their strategy for handling a complex schedule: divide and conquer. Mark and Myrna were both established in business before they enrolled in Melaleuca, and both are in their element with all the activities. But they are understanding when a husband or wife tries to barricade themselves in a comfort zone and let their spouse handle the scary activities. “Sometimes one person would rather do anything than be in front of a roomful of prospective customers presenting the Overview,” Mark says. “And that’s okay. We encourage couples to do whatever works. But we always say we love to see people learn and grow.” The Athas function as a fully engaged team, but they have many words of practical wisdom for couples where one still feels more in their element when in a supporting role. “Sometimes Marketing Executives get frustrated because they want their spouse to do more, and we help them see there are many ways for a spouse to be supportive,” Mark says. “When your partner takes care of dinner, homework, bath time, and bedtime so you’re free to work, that’s huge! When they attend a school event you must miss, it helps tremendously.” They also counsel the supporting partner to have a supply of their spouse’s business cards, and to refer clients if the opportunity comes up to do so. They recommend attending leadership celebrations together as a good way for a couple to become drawn into the excitement of success. The Athas also suggest making the business a family affair. “When you make advancement a family goal, everyone becomes supportive,” says Mark. As a powerhouse business team, Mark and Myrna agree on another thing as well: “Before Melaleuca,” Mark says, “neither of us really loved what we did. Today we both love what we do!” Now that is being in your element!
Executive Directors 3 Geoff & Danielle Doucette Together Is Better!
Before Geoff and Danielle enrolled in Melaleuca, they were both strong business people in their own right. “It was a big deal to work together,” Geoff says. “This was our first time to be recognized as a couple accomplishing something in business.” “It’s been an adaptation process,” Geoff admits. “We had never worked hand in hand. So we found a place for each other. We can fill in for each other too, but it’s all about balance—knowing who’s going to do what.” They each have their own desk and work area in their office upstairs in their North Carolina home. “We’ve blended our skills pretty well,” Danielle says. “Geoff is an organizer, a strategist—a nuts and bolts kind of guy. He gets into the numbers and is great at explaining the Compensation Plan. I’m the one reaching out to people, asking them about their goals, and encouraging them along the way. If we do calls together, I start it out, and then Geoff gives them a strategic plan.” For the Doucettes, the biggest challenge is working with people with different levels of commitment. They respond by combining their strengths to motivate without pushing. “There’s a balancing act of motivating your team without being overbearing,” Geoff explains. “That is Danielle’s strength. That’s where building the relationship comes into play. You can’t always be calling about their business. You have to connect with them, get to know about their families, and have a genuine interest in their life.” It was a golden moment for them at Road to Executive Director when couples asked the Doucettes for advice in making a business work as a team. “It’s gratifying for us to know that we can help to inspire other couples,” Geoff says.
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JANUARY 2018 | MELALEUCA.COM
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