Power in Partnership

Are two heads actually better than one? Can an individual accomplish as much or attain the same level of success standing alone as they can joined with the right person? Looking at some of history's greatest figures, you will find supportive spouses, encouraging partners or motivating friends that acted as the "wind beneath their wings" providing direction and support. Warran Buffet considered Charles Thomas Munger his partner for over 50 years and incorporated Munger's investment strategies to attain his success. Buffet and Munger operate very diversely but Buffet believes their differences compliment rather than detract from their relationship. Paul Newman is inspired and motivated by wife Joanne Woodward. Newman said, "We are very, very different people and yet somehow we fed off those varied differences and instead of separating us, it has made the whole bond a lot stronger."

In my opinion, the most powerful partnerships are those between man and woman making the marriage covenant the most significant human connection. As two people abandon their individuality and become one, there is a tie bonding them in ways not viable outside of marriage. With this lasting link, the insight revealed and closeness shared provides a more sure foundation to build upon, enabling them to construct both combined and individually. Independently, one could harbor anxiety, afraid to step out and try something new, preferring to continue in what they know and feel comfortable with. Their mate has exclusive insight allowing them to better understand their spouse's temperament and position. This insight enables them to provide the encouragement and momentum needed to embark on what could be their most successful venture, possibly redirecting their course.

When Michelle Obama was recently interviewed about her life and marriage to Barrack, she said, "There are ups and downs...what we've learned together is we can't do this by ourselves." Both Barrack and Michelle admit the direction of their lives may have been very different if they didn't have one another. Reading about Colin Powell and wife Alma, he said he would not have been able to accomplish nearly as much if it had not been for the support and encouragement of his wife.

I believe we are all designed with an internal mechanism that limits our capabilities until the right person materializes releasing our endowment and propelling us to greatness. When the right two people come together, they highlight and balance one another. They have different identities, personalities, likes and dislikes but their lives are complimentary to one another.

As we grow and mature, we better understand our own fortes and failings in addition to being able to identify these areas in those close to us. Being coupled with the right person allows their strong points to overshadow your weaknesses as they find shelter in the shadow of your strengths. As you amalgamate into one, you begin to close the gaps and fill inherent voids for one another. The person best suited for you generates a 'yin and yang' effect, igniting the fire that fuels you on to your predestined success.

There may be dreams you are unaware of, desires that could go unfulfilled without the missing link that resides in someone else. As you share and grow together, your partner comes to understand you with a broader perspective. They are better able to see strengths you can't see and recognize talents taken for granted or unrecognized. As a result of the bond you share, there is a higher probability you will receive encouragement, correction and pushes from your companion in areas that wouldn't be welcomed or accepted from others. Because of this connection, your cohort is able to guide you as you willingly yield down paths you would never have embarked on alone.

When God created man, He saw that man was in need of assistance. In Genesis 2:18 God said, "It is not good for man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him." Eve was created from within Adam so that she might fulfill his needs and desires. There were certain things Adam was unable to do without his helper even though she was produced from within him. She was the manifestation of dreams, thoughts, ideas and abilities untapped inside of him. The same design pattern that created Adam and Eve continues to replicate itself as procreation continues.

Everything we need for our life's work already resides within us, but may go unrealized if the person designed to recognize and accentuate this innate capacity doesn't aid in its release. With the partner best suited for us, we can realize a more fulfilling future, successfully achieve aspirations, and obtain an inner peace and happiness inaccessible without them. Two heads are definitely better...especially when they become one.