Making It Work When You Work a Lot: 10 Power Strategies for Connecting as a Couple

Dr. Joel D. Block is a clinical psychologist specializing in couples therapy. His success in treating hundreds of devastated executive marriages over the years has led him to formulate a blueprint for success that addresses the challenges that are unique to these relationships. Making It Work When You Work a Lot is a real-life action plan with the mission of protecting executive marriages. It was formulated after interviews with nearly one hundred executives and their spouses, men and women from across the country. Each chapter is derived from the specific concerns of executives struggling to make their marriages work. As you will discover, the issues they raised involve competencies that are also crucial in the world of business. Dr. Block shows you how solutions to problems encountered in the workplace translate directly to successful resolutions of similar challenges at home: 1. Success Begins with Commitment: Do you want to view your partner lovingly or not? Are you for or against your partner? 2. Unite, Don't Divide: You have a choice every time you speak to your partner-you can say something that will nurture your relationship or tear it down. 3. Develop a Culture of Collaboration: A marriage succeeds to the extent that both partners can accept influence from each other. 4. Create Lasting Value: Trust is at the foundation of any relationship. 5. Become a Skillful Communicator: Speak from your heart. A loving marriage does not center on sharing responsibilities-it is distinguished by emotional involvement. 6. Build on Strengths: Every relationship experiences conflict, but not every couple has the skills to resolve it. 7. Grow Your Children Effectively: Be role models for your children. 8. Periodically Assess Progress: Awareness is the first step in healing. Feedback is central to awareness and to maintaining gains. Knowing how we are doing keeps us on track. 9. Protect Your Investment: Relational competence cannot be improved overnight. The emotional brain learns new patterns over weeks and months, not days. 10. Maximize Resources: Don't wait to take action. Seek help. Early intervention is less painful and more effective than intervention in a relationship that has been worn down over a long period. Backed by cutting-edge research and commonsense guidance, Making It Work When You Work a Lot provides real, workable solutions to help even the most troubled executive relationship get back on track-because success shouldn't end when you leave the office. Book jacket.