CategoryNews
comment Add Comment
Posted on by Shane SmithLast updated

Relationship Quality at home has a positive impact on Work Engagement

We all know that work life and family life are intertwined, and research supports this by demonstrating that companies benefit from employees who are highly committed to their roles as parents and spouses (Graves, et al, 2007). Conversely, employee performance and satisfaction occur easiest when outside influences like family are considered through workplace contracts and the provision of flexible work arrangements (Ford, et al, 2007).

However, the business world has typically underestimated the impact and value of marriage and relationship education and family wellness in affecting financial outcomes, and while there is a rising interest and investment in workplace health promotion programs, businesses and governments must recognise that there are significant benefits for profitability and productivity if they were to be more supportive of the relational and marital health of their employees.

How many employees are we talking about?

In Australia and according to ABS figures (June 2017), there were 5.7 million total couple families*, 2.6 million couple families with children or dependants including children under 15 and dependent students aged 15–24 years, and 3.1 million couple families without children under 15 or dependent students. 2.6 million were from opposite sex couple families with dependants and 57,900 same-sex couple families. There were 1.7 million couple families with children or dependent students where both parents were employed.

The chief Economist for the ABS, Bruce Hockman said that in June 2017 that 64% of couple families with children had both parents working, while a decade ago the proportion was 59%. “The increasing proportion of couple families with children where both parents work is an ongoing trend we have been observing for a decade, as female participation rates in the labour market have increased to the current record high of around 60%,” Mr Hockman said “Couple families with children with one parent employed full time and the other part time were still the most common group, at 35% in June 2017.” The proportion of jobless families (couple and lone parents) with children remained steady over the past decade at 12%, as did the proportion of couple families with children, at around 5% (ABS, 2017).

What can companies do?

In order to help couple families and companies develop strategies to deal with the multiple demands on employees and their personal relationships – particularly when raising children – it is vital to devise and implement policies to enable employees to have healthy, functional personal relationships, and be fully engaged at work.

Companies wanting to increase their profitability will do well to realise that business takes place in the boardroom and in the family room. Whether married or cohabiting, studies of the best programs teaching relationship skills to adults, centred around commitment, communication, and conflict resolution show that these programs can successfully reduce conflict, improve satisfaction and reduce divorce across a variety of settings and socio-economic groups (Carroll & Doherty 2003; Stanley et al 2006; Stanley et al 2014).

If relationships are integral to all aspects of a fulfilled life – from exploring communication and conflict, to developing parenting skills, through to improving relationships and effectively communicating with family, friends, colleagues and business partners –  then it is in the interest of every organisation to assist employees to strengthen and build strong relationship skills.

* Individuals who would identify as not being in a relationship and/or single are active and highly valued employees within the workplace and the content in this blog post is not intended to undervalue or de-value the important role they play in life more broadly as well as in the workplace.

Tune in next week to understand how the Value of Healthy Couple Families to Business.

References:

    Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), 2016: Marriage and divorces, Australia
  • Carroll, J. & Doherty, W. 2003: Evaluating the Effectiveness of Premarital Prevention Programs: A Meta-Analytic Review of Outcome Research. Family Relations, 52, 105–118.
  • Graves, L.M., Ohlott, P.J., & Ruderman, M.N. 2007: Commitment to family roles: Effects on managers’ attitudes and performance. Journal of Applied Psychology, 92, 44-56
    Ford, M.T., Heinen, B.A., & Langkamer, K.L., 2007: Work and family satisfaction and Conflict: A meta-analysis of cross-domain relations. Journal of Applied Psychology, 92, 57-85
    Stanley, S., Kline, G., & Markman, H. 2006: Sliding vs. Deciding: Inertia and the premarital cohabitation effect. Family Relations, 55, 499-509.
    Stanley, S., Rhoades, G. K. Loew, B. A., Allen, E. S., Carter, S, Osborne, L. J., Prentice, D., and Markman, H. J., 2014: A randomized controlled trial of relationship education in the US Army: 2 year outcomes. Family Relations, 63, 482-495

Marriage and Relationship Education is a learning opportunity, much like you would do in any other important life event. Check out the video for couples on YouTube: https://youtu.be/xyuUl-JnIhM Keep up with the latest from the MAREAA online:

Join us at www.mareaa.asn.au or sign up to our Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/bRigGf

comment Add Comment
Posted on by Shane SmithLast updated

The Benefits of Relationship Education and Family Wellness Programs for Business Productivity

We all know that work life and family life are intertwined, and research supports this by demonstrating that companies benefit from employees who are highly committed to their roles as parents and spouses (Graves, et al, 2007). Conversely, employee performance and satisfaction occur easiest when outside influences like family are considered through workplace contracts and the provision of flexible work arrangements (Ford, et al, 2007).

If a healthy workplace is one that maximises the integration of worker goals for well-being and the company’s objectives for profitability and productivity, then positive experiences in family roles could contribute to enhanced behavioural outcomes at work, particularly where work-family balance environments are encouraged for employees. Conversely, when relationship problems lead to unhappy relationships and marriages and employees experience separation and divorce (which most often occur in the primary producing years), the impact on employee engagement and profit will impact negatively on companies.

In order to help couple families and companies develop strategies to deal with the multiple demands on employees and their personal relationships, it is vital to devise and implement policies to enable employees to have healthy, functional personal relationships, and be fully engaged at work.

This series of blog posts examines the link between healthy relationships (especially the impact of marriage and relationship education and family wellness programs) on work engagement and business productivity, the factors that affect the quality of work and non-work life and explores the following questions:

  1. Does relationship quality impact on work engagement?
  1. Would the building and integrating of marriage and relationship education and family wellness programs at work increase a company’s overall financial health?
  1. If so, should marriage and relationship education and family wellness be an economically driven priority?

It is important at this stage to clearly articulate the focus of this series of blog posts is specifically about ‘couple families’ and the intersectionality with work/employment. According to the Australia Bureau of Statistics (2017), “Couple families are based around a couple relationship between two persons who are either married or in a de facto partnership and usually resident in the same household. Couples can be same-sex or opposite-sex, and their dependants or children may also be members of the couple family if they all reside in the same household”.

Individuals who would identify as not being in a relationship and/or single are active and highly valued employees within the workplace and the content in this blog post is not intended to undervalue or de-value the important role they play in life more broadly as well as in the workplace.

Tune in next week to understand how Relationship Quality has a positive impact on Work Engagement.

References:

    Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), 2016: Marriage and divorces, Australia
  • Graves, L.M., Ohlott, P.J., & Ruderman, M.N. 2007: Commitment to family roles: Effects on managers’ attitudes and performance. Journal of Applied Psychology, 92, 44-56
  • Ford, M.T., Heinen, B.A., & Langkamer, K.L., 2007: Work and family satisfaction and Conflict: A meta-analysis of cross-domain relations. Journal of Applied Psychology, 92, 57-80

Marriage and Relationship Education is a learning opportunity, much like you would do in any other important life event. Check out the video for couples on YouTube: https://youtu.be/xyuUl-JnIhM Keep up with the latest from the MAREAA online:

Join us at www.mareaa.asn.au or sign up to our Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/bRigGf

comment Add Comment
Posted on by Shane SmithLast updated

The Two Faces of Commitment: Acknowledging expectations is the first step to managing them effectively in your relationship

Commitment is crucial and an essential ingredient in the recipe for marital success, relationship satisfaction, as well as trust in longevity. Commitment is pledging yourself to each other by word, action and giving up or making choices. However, couples often struggle with commitment due to disenchanted, resentfulness, experiencing conflict or having ‘grass is greener’ visions.

When couples stop acting on commitment in their relationship, they can get off track (something we never dream of when we first get together). The success of a relationship is a strong sound friendship with our partner, staying deeply committed to each other and the partnership so that we can continually build a strong emotional bank account.

Unfulfilled expectations often become the source of conflict because preconceived notion distorts the actual experience.

Acknowledging expectations is the first step to managing them effectively in your relationship. Once you and your partner both know each other’s expectations, adjustments can be made based on the how realistic they are. In doing this, it’s important to remember not to compromise the integrity of your original expectations. Instead restate them to better set you and your partner up for success.

In practice:

Wanting and expecting your relationship to stand the test of time:

  • Believe in a long-term future together, even in conflict or the hard times.
  • Don’t make threats or ‘out-plans’ when it’s not going well.
  • Have a support system that agrees that marriage is for life and that you can achieve this.

I believe we can expect great things in our marriage when commitment, love and skill work together. Sure, there are times in our lives when we have to concentrate on some of these areas specifically or seek support to help us overcome challenges but with support and understanding, we can all enjoy the blessings of a strong and committed partnership.

I hope these tools prove useful and help you enrich your relationship. If you would like further reading on commitment, please contact me on 4979 1370 or robyn.donnelly@mn.catholic.org.au.

by Robyn Donnelly
Co-ordinator, Marriage & Relationship Education CatholicCare and Secretary and NSW Representative MAREAA.

Marriage and Relationship Education is a learning opportunity, much like you would do in any other important life event. Check out the video for couples on YouTube: https://youtu.be/xyuUl-JnIhM Keep up with the latest from the MAREAA online:

Join us at www.mareaa.asn.au or sign up to our Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/bRigGf

comment Add Comment
Posted on by Shane SmithLast updated

The Two Faces of Commitment: Strengthen and preserve your identity, make time for each other, have rituals, be friends, talk, walk and listen

Commitment is crucial and an essential ingredient in the recipe for marital success, relationship satisfaction, as well as trust in longevity. Commitment is pledging yourself to each other by word, action and giving up or making choices. However, couples often struggle with commitment due to disenchanted, resentfulness, experiencing conflict or having ‘grass is greener’ visions.

When couples stop acting on commitment in their relationship, they can get off track (something we never dream of when we first get together). The success of a relationship is a strong sound friendship with our partner, staying deeply committed to each other and the partnership so that we can continually build a strong emotional bank account.

It’s critical to nurture closeness and intimacy in your relationship, but don’t forget to maintain your own sense of independence and identity. Through open and overt communication with your partner, seek to find an appropriate balance.

In practice:

Make time for yourself and time for each other, have rituals, be friends, talk, walk and listen:

  • Strengthen and preserve your identity.
  • Think about yourselves as ”WE” and support each other’s hopes and dreams.
  • Talk about long term goals, make decisions together, develop a shared vision for your future.

Make Sacrifices:

  • Put off or postpone things to benefit your relationship.
  • Look for the joy that comes from choosing to do something that will make your partner happy.
  • Don’t tally and count what you do and what they don’t.

I believe we can expect great things in our marriage when commitment, love and skill work together. Sure, there are times in our lives when we have to concentrate on some of these areas specifically or seek support to help us overcome challenges but with support and understanding, we can all enjoy the blessings of a strong and committed partnership.

I hope these tools prove useful and help you enrich your relationship. If you would like further reading on commitment, please contact me on 4979 1370 or robyn.donnelly@mn.catholic.org.au.

by Robyn Donnelly
Co-ordinator, Marriage & Relationship Education CatholicCare and Secretary and NSW Representative MAREAA.

Marriage and Relationship Education is a learning opportunity, much like you would do in any other important life event. Check out the video for couples on YouTube: https://youtu.be/xyuUl-JnIhM Keep up with the latest from the MAREAA online:

Join us at www.mareaa.asn.au or sign up to our Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/bRigGf

comment Add Comment
Posted on by Shane SmithLast updated

The Two Faces of Commitment: Commitment in partnership will grow when partners witness personal dedication and commitment to their relationship

Pre-marriage programs, inventory workshops and enhance programs for married couples, each consider the true meaning and purpose of commitment.

Commitment is crucial and an essential ingredient in the recipe for marital success, relationship satisfaction, as well as trust in longevity. Commitment is pledging yourself to each other by word, action and giving up or making choices. However, couples often struggle with commitment due to disenchanted, resentfulness, experiencing conflict or having ‘grass is greener’ visions.

When couples stop acting on commitment in their relationship, they can get off track (something we never dream of when we first get together). The success of a relationship is a strong sound friendship with our partner and we need to stay deeply committed to each other and the partnership so that we can continually build a strong emotional bank account.

What Grows Commitment?

Commitment in partnership is a dynamic force and it will grow when partners:

  • Enjoy being together;
  • Each feel appreciated, loved and valued;
  • Witness personal dedication and commitment to their relationship; and
  • See their partner investing in their relationship and when they too show investment.

In most relationships, commitment can be looked at as a symbol of security; when they share a deep sense of security they will feel safer and are more willing to show and strengthen their own personal dedication. So what are the keys to staying personally committed?

Making the right choices for the relationship and your partner:

  • Making your partner and your relationship a priority! This means you have to say no to some people and other responsibilities.
  • Choose to show personal dedication – make “we” choices and see the positives in your partner more often than scanning for the negatives.

I believe we can expect great things in our marriage when commitment, love and skill work together. Sure, there are times in our lives when we have to concentrate on some of these areas specifically or seek support to help us overcome challenges but with support and understanding, we can all enjoy the blessings of a strong and committed partnership.

I hope these tools prove useful and help you enrich your relationship. If you would like further reading on commitment, please contact me on 4979 1370 or robyn.donnelly@mn.catholic.org.au.

by Robyn Donnelly
Co-ordinator, Marriage & Relationship Education CatholicCare and Secretary and NSW Representative MAREAA.

Marriage and Relationship Education is a learning opportunity, much like you would do in any other important life event. Check out the video for couples on YouTube: https://youtu.be/xyuUl-JnIhM Keep up with the latest from the MAREAA online:

Join us at www.mareaa.asn.au or sign up to our Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/bRigGf

comment Add Comment
Posted on by Shane SmithLast updated

The Two Faces of Commitment: (2) Over time relationships can find themselves in trouble, with only Constraint Commitment holding it together

Pre-marriage programs, inventory workshops and enhance programs for married couples, each consider the true meaning and purpose of commitment.

With this in mind, the research on commitment by Dr Scott Stanley is an excellent area to cover with couples preparing for or enriching marriage (for further reading refer to Dr Stanley’s publications “12 Hours to a Great Marriage” and the “Power of Commitment”).

Commitment is crucial and an essential ingredient in the recipe for marital success, relationship satisfaction, as well as trust in longevity. Commitment is pledging yourself to each other by word, action and giving up or making choices. However, couples often struggle with commitment due to disenchanted, resentfulness, experiencing conflict or having ‘grass is greener’ visions.

When couples stop acting on commitment in their relationship, they can get off track (something we never dream of when we first get together). The success of a relationship is a strong sound friendship with our partner and we need to stay deeply committed to each other and the partnership so that we can continually build a strong emotional bank account.

Dr Scott Stanley speaks of two faces of commitment:

  1. Personal dedication; and
  2. Constraint commitment

This week: Constraint Commitment is the type of commitment referred to one enforced by circumstances.

An example: Jane is committed to her organisation and her skills only match this particular organisation. She has huge responsibilities outside her work and needs the money. She is not personally fulfilled by her role and is often unappreciated for the work she does.

How Commitment Erodes
Lack of enjoyment or appreciation of the other can erode commitment. One of the biggest causes of dissatisfaction is conflict or unfilled expectations. When conflict isn’t handled well, marital satisfaction declines and with it goes personal dedication. When couples feel little commitment and that they don’t have a partner who understands them and supports them, they stop helping each other and stop doing things to make each other happy. Over time relationships can find themselves in trouble, with only constraint commitment holding it together. In this situation, partners can journey their relationship on autopilot – just being, not doing. The person with the lest commitment has the most power.

Commitment can also erode when both partners continue to show dedication but neither one notices the other’s efforts, or life becomes so busy or distracted that they take the other for granted. When couples experience this they can take the ‘grass is greener’ view and the relationship is open to emotional or physical affairs. Unfortunately, the partner with the least commitment has the most power.

I hope these tools prove useful and help you enrich your relationship. If you would like further reading on commitment, please contact me on 4979 1370 or robyn.donnelly@mn.catholic.org.au.

by Robyn Donnelly
Co-ordinator, Marriage & Relationship Education CatholicCare and Secretary and NSW Representative MAREAA.

Marriage and Relationship Education is a learning opportunity, much like you would do in any other important life event. Check out the video for couples on YouTube: https://youtu.be/xyuUl-JnIhM Keep up with the latest from the MAREAA online:

Join us at www.mareaa.asn.au or sign up to our Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/bRigGf

comment Add Comment
Posted on by Shane SmithLast updated

The Two Faces of Commitment: (1) Personal dedication refers to the promise and actions to fulfil your promise to maintain and improve your relationship

Pre-marriage programs, inventory workshops and enhance programs for married couples consider the true meaning and purpose of commitment.

With this in mind, the research on commitment by Dr Scott Stanley is an excellent area to cover with couples preparing for, or enriching marriage (for further reading refer to Dr Stanley’s publications “12 Hours to a Great Marriage” and the “Power of Commitment”).

Commitment is crucial and an essential ingredient in the recipe for marital success, relationship satisfaction, as well as trust in longevity. Commitment is pledging yourself to each other by word, action and giving up or making choices. However, couples often struggle with commitment due to disenchanted, resentfulness, experiencing conflict or having ‘grass is greener’ visions.

When couples stop acting on commitment in their relationship, they can get off track (something we never dream of when we first get together). The success of a relationship is a strong sound friendship with our partner and we need to stay deeply committed to each other and the partnership so that we can continually build a strong emotional bank account. 

Dr Scott Stanley speaks of two faces of commitment:

  1. Personal dedication; and
  2. Constraint commitment

Personal dedication refers to the promise and actions to fulfil your promise to maintain and improve a relationship for the mutual benefit and satisfaction for both parties. It goes well beyond simply being there in the relationship but actively:

  • Doing what it takes to increase its quality;
  • Investing in and sacrificing for it;
  • Linking it to personal goals; and
  • Seeking to improve your own welfare and that of your partner.

An example: Mary is sure she is dedicated and committed to the company she works for, she enjoys the people, believes in the company values and is treated well and is respected. Mary puts in energy and enthusiasm by turning up early and giving it her all, often going beyond what is required by her. She really enjoys her work.

I believe we can expect great things in our relationships when commitment, love and skill work together. Sure, there are times in our lives when we have to concentrate on some of these areas specifically or seek support to help us overcome challenges but with support and understanding, we can all enjoy the blessings of a strong and committed partnership.

Tune in for part 2 next week on Constraint Commitment.

I hope these tools prove useful and help you enrich your relationship. If you would like further reading on commitment, please contact me directly on (02) 4979 1370 or robyn.donnelly@mn.catholic.org.au.

by Robyn Donnelly
Co-ordinator, Marriage & Relationship Education CatholicCare and Secretary and NSW Representative MAREAA.

Marriage and Relationship Education is a learning opportunity, much like you would do in any other important life event. Check out the video for couples on YouTube: https://youtu.be/xyuUl-JnIhM Keep up with the latest from the MAREAA online:

Join us at www.mareaa.asn.au or sign up to our Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/bRigGf

comment Add Comment
Posted on by Shane SmithLast updated

Balance: Clarify values and your commitment, dedicating time to study, faith and/or meditation

We are all in a state of entropy and only consistent and continued refinement and attention to Physical, Intellectual, Social and our Spiritual selves is vital to retain balance. To ensure an upward spiral of growth, change, and continuous improvement in ourselves and our relationships, learn to take care of yourself.

4. Spiritual.

Focus on clarifying values and your commitment, dedicating time to study, faith and/or meditation.

Focus on getting better, rather than being good. Think improvement rather than thinking that you ought to be perfect. If you appreciate that change is inevitable, therefore focusing on getting better through enhanced awareness and careful exploration of issues and by developing and improving skills to deal with those issues we remain flexible and allow for error and therefore alleviate anxiety.

Enjoy the journey as well as the destination.

Reference:

  • Covey, S, 1989: Principle Centred Leadership.

Marriage and Relationship Education is a learning opportunity, much like you would do in any other important life event. Check out the video for couples on YouTube: https://youtu.be/xyuUl-JnIhM Keep up with the latest from the MAREAA online:

Join us at www.mareaa.asn.au or sign up to our Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/bRigGf

comment Add Comment
Posted on by Shane SmithLast updated

Balance: Participate in community events and work on at least one area where you can give service to benefit others

We are all in a state of entropy and only consistent and continued refinement and attention to Physical, Intellectual, Social and our Spiritual selves is vital to retain balance. To ensure an upward spiral of growth, change, and continuous improvement in ourselves and our relationships, learn to take care of yourself.

3. Social Enjoy a rich private life, give service and show integrity. Participate in community events and work on at least one area where you can give service to benefit others. Be it via a volunteer organisation or individual seeking support (i.e. mentoring), connect and assist others.

In May each year, thousands of events are held across the country to say thank you to the 6 million Australians who volunteer their time. National Volunteer Week (NVW) is the annual celebration to acknowledge the generous contribution of our nation’s volunteers. # NVW2020.

Many organisations draw upon the generous support of many who give up their valuable time and share their knowledge and resources.

If you are not already, make a profound impact in your community and on society, through giving a little time. Participate in a community event or work on at least one area where you can give service to benefit others.

Reference:

Covey, S, 1989: Principle Centred Leadership

Marriage and Relationship Education is a learning opportunity, much like you would do in any other important life event. Check out the video for couples on YouTube: https://youtu.be/xyuUl-JnIhM Keep up with the latest from the MAREAA online:

Join us at www.mareaa.asn.au or sign up to our Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/bRigGf

comment Add Comment
Posted on by Shane SmithLast updated

Balance: Stimulate the right side of your brain and engage in creative endeavours

We are all in a state of entropy and only consistent and continued refinement and attention to Physical, Intellectual, Social and our Spiritual selves is vital to retain balance. To ensure an upward spiral of growth, change, and continuous improvement in ourselves and our relationships, learn to take care of yourself.

2. Intellectual
If we appreciate that change is inevitable, therefore focusing on getting better through enhanced awareness and careful exploration of issues and by developing and improving skills to deal with those issues, we remain flexible and allow for error and therefore alleviate anxiety.

Consider reading, meditation, visualising, planning and writing. Stimulate the right side of your brain, engage in creative endeavours and take time out to think outside the everyday. Research suggests that 15 minutes a day makes a huge difference to your well-being and can stimulate the brain to learn in new and different ways. Enjoy the journey as well as the destination.

Reference:

  • Covey, S, 1989: Principle Centred Leadership

Marriage and Relationship Education is a learning opportunity, much like you would do in any other important life event. Check out the video for couples on YouTube: https://youtu.be/xyuUl-JnIhM

Keep up with the latest from the MAREAA online:

Join us at www.mareaa.asn.au or sign up to our Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/bRigGf

comment Add Comment
Posted on by Shane SmithLast updated

Balance: Start slow and build up to make exercise a regular part of your day and week

We are all in a state of entropy and only consistent and continued refinement and attention to Physical, Intellectual, Social and our Spiritual selves is vital to retain balance. To ensure an upward spiral of growth, change, and continuous improvement in ourselves and our relationships, learn to take care of yourself.

  1. Physical

Exercise whenever you can and feel the chemical change in your body. Get out doors and enjoy the world. Despite the challenges, it truly is a beautiful world we live in.

Start slow and build up to make exercise a regular part of your day and week. Focus on getting better, rather than being good. Improvement becomes the norm and if we take this into our relationships, we can focus on improving rather than thinking that it ought to be perfect.

If we appreciate that change is inevitable, therefore focusing on getting better rather than being perfect, we can alleviate anxiety. Enjoy the journey as well as the destination. Start today.

Reference:

  • Covey, S, 1989: Principle Centred Leadership

Marriage and Relationship Education is a learning opportunity, much like you would do in any other important life event. Check out the video for couples on YouTube: https://youtu.be/xyuUl-JnIhM

Keep up with the latest from the MAREAA online:

Join us at www.mareaa.asn.au or sign up to our Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/bRigGf

comment Add Comment
Posted on by Shane SmithLast updated

Balance: continued refinement and attention to all of the following four areas in our lives

Often we find we live our lives narrowly focusing on work or home. Think about your life and the balance you maintain. Change is possible and often easier than you think.

The late Stephen Covey suggests consistent and continued refinement and attention to all of the following four areas in our lives:

  1. Physical;
  2. Intellectual;
  3. Social and
  4. Spiritual.

Attempting to balance exercise, nutrition and stress management (physical); by reading, visualising, planning and writing (Intellectual); focusing on clarifying values and our commitment, dedicating time to study, our faith and/or meditation (Spiritual); and through our service, being empathic, being synergistic and ensuring security (Social), ensures success.

Don’t get caught up in the demands of life and forget ourselves and our partner. Be proactive and do this for your relationship. “We are the instruments of our own performance, and to be effective, we need to recognize the importance of taking time to regularly sharpen the saw in all four ways”.

You don’t have to get it right the first time. This is part of life’s journey of learning and developing. You will get there if you are willing to invest the time and effort to developing new habits.

Reference:

  • Covey, S, 1989: Principle Centred Leadership

Marriage and Relationship Education is a learning opportunity, much like you would do in any other important life event. Check out the video for couples on YouTube: https://youtu.be/xyuUl-JnIhM

Keep up with the latest from the MAREAA online:

Join us at www.mareaa.asn.au or sign up to our Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/bRigGf