The journey to become a high-level executive is often marked by ambition, hard work, and strategic thinking. While professional attributes are crucial, one often underestimated factor that contributes significantly to the success of high-level executives is a strong foundation of healthy family relationships. In this blog, we will explore how these relationships empower executives to reach their full potential and achieve remarkable success.
Improved work-life balance
High-level executives are called to maintain high levels of responsibilities and work duties, which can lead to feelings of pressure, stress, and anxiety. The weight of meeting certain demands from direct reports or investors, overseeing large projects and budgets, and the pressure to exceed expectations can leave one feeling exhausted at the end of the work day. Family relationships can be a source of fulfillment and a mental rest from the pressure of work performance. We rely on these relationships for emotional safety, trust, comfort, and rest. When executives have a loving and understanding family to return to, it helps them recharge, manage stress, and maintain emotional stability, enabling them to tackle demanding work situations with composure..
Decision-making
While spouses can be a tremendous source of support, they also have a unique perspective
that can lead to better decision-making in the workplace. Hearing another viewpoint from the person closest to you may provide valuable insight towards the problems you are trying to successfully navigate and work through. Our spouses are in the unique position to be able to notice our blindspots, while also having our best interest in mind. Recommendations and potential solutions that they offer are worth talking through and seeing what fits.
Perspective
Working at the executive level is challenging, which can lead to high satisfaction when achievements are made. However, satisfaction doesn’t always equal fulfillment. It becomes easy to get bogged down with deadlines or making difficult strategic decisions. Life can quickly become all about work in an effort to provide a particular lifestyle for one’s family. Fortunately, family relationships can be a healthy reminder of life perspective. The pursuit and chase for success is great and something to be proud of, but there is also much more to life. At the end of the day, success from hard work is thrilling but not all fulfilling. Success within your family relationships and creating memorable experiences throughout life can offer much more lasting joy than any type of success can. Families can provide this perspective, which leads us to remember that although work and success are good things, there are far better things in life.
Relationships can empower executives to reach their full capabilities and achieve the success they desire. Family relationships help us to improve our work-life balance by being a source of comfort and safety at the end of a long work day. They equip us with better decision-making skills, as they provide unique insights and viewpoints that no one else can. Lastly, family relationships provide the wonderful gift of perspective, reminding you that as much as they appreciate your hard work and success in your professional role, they value your quality time and your role as a mom, dad, or spouse even more.
Written by: Dr. Austin Shugart, LPC