It is interesting to see different work styles. My husband and I are almost like oil and vinegar. He wants everything in order before he starts on anything. I like to just grab things and wing it. He spends hours making sure every words and graphic is infinitesimally in the right place. I just get them close enough. He likes to read volumes and go to every web site he can find before he starts a project. I take what I know and add to it as I need to. He hates to take classes. I love to take classes. He likes to brainstorm for hours, I’m more of a brain shower type person, usually about 30 minutes max and I’m ready for some action.

I can say that our working together is a little the same, however, we are able to get projects completed and successfully ran a business together for about 8 years, so the answer to the question is, yes! The big thing you have to do is realize the differences and then find the similarities. Then you capitalize on the similarities and use the differences for the betterment of the project. For instance, my husband is great at researching information we might need. I’m great at getting something done before the deadline.

You can’t dwell on the differences. You can’t expect to change the other person. If you do either of those you’ll be dead in the water, or worse you’ll be caught underwater in turbulence. You need to know who is a rower, who’s a caller, who’s can steer, who can be the lookout for big rocks, etc. Once you’ve defined the areas that you’ll be able to work together the real trick is in being able to make the difference work together, too. I think it just takes practice and patience. Also, understand that once in awhile you’re just going to want to strangle them and try to make them do it your way. When that happens, get up, go for a walk (even if it’s only to the water cooler) and regain your composure, get control of your need to micro-manage and then return with the renewed vision of using everything to the advantage of the business.