How to Foster Teamwork - A Starter List

· Discuss expectations before starting a project or free time spent together

· As a couple, discuss priorities to spend your time

· Make time commitments together as a couple

· Look at individual gifts and how to best use them for your relationship

· CHOOSE your attitude before starting work together

o Choose to support your spouse’s to-do’s, job, dreams, etc.

o Other-centeredness, generosity & selflessness vs. independence, self-absorption & stubbornness

o Focus on why you married each other

o Choose to believe that your spouse’s intentions are positive

· Examine behaviors when you struggle with teamwork

o What do my words tell my spouse?

o What does my tone of voice and body language convey? I’m impatient, I don’t care, I’m irritated, I have no time for you

o Am I avoiding? Am I being passive aggressive?

· Be open to compromise

o Recognize that there is your way, my way, and many other ways to get something done that we haven’t even considered yet

o Let go of the need to be right, need for control, need to accomplish MY stuff

· Communicate openly and in a spirit of love by asking questions to better understand the other’s needs, motivations, and feelings:

o What do you think we should do?

o Why is this important to you?

o What would you like for me to do to support you?

o What can I do better?

· Joke and have fun together!

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