Before we had Judge, Matt and I used to come and go as we pleased.  We were extremely busy and we led our business lives very independent of each other. But a lot has changed ever since our little boy came into our lives.  I’d like to think that he has slowed us down, but as every parent knows a baby makes your life more dynamic.  Matt and I need to work harder at coordinating not just our own lives, but Judge’s, too.  Because we both have careers, we each have a stake in effectively managing Judge’s childcare.  This means that we need to talk more to each other so we can manage our schedules.   

After this recent childcare fiasco, Matt and I sat down with our calendars wide open to coordinate each other’s travel schedules, talk about Judge’s childcare situation and discuss possible babysitters in the event that we need a backup.  We both felt a lot of relief once we had a plan. 

I know that I’m not the only one who has ever had a childcare fiasco, or even a miscommunication with their spouses.  I share the role of military spouse and business owner with many men and women out there.  I, too, recognize that my business success is directly tied to the support I receive from my family and community.  It’s up to me to ensure that I’m a strong communicator in order for my all of my roles to run smoothly. 

I’ve quickly learned there are a few key principles when it comes to communicating.  In order to run my family and career effectively, I’ve been doing the following three things to live my life in balance: 

1. Assume Nothing

I’ve recently taken this new approach to my business and family life.  Each morning I walk through my day with my husband to ensure that he knows where I’m going to be.  He then talks to me about his schedule and together we discuss childcare pick ups, drop offs and everything in between.  I can’t stop raving about how effective it’s been for the both of us.   Yes.  This does seem like a “no brainer” concept.  But during hectic times, you fail to reach out to those around you to discuss your day.  I’ve discovered that a quick conversation over coffee at 5:30 a.m. solves more issues before they turn into problems. 

2. Plan Ahead

Whenever I have to travel I give my babysitter as much notice as I can.  I probably give her too many details, but too much is better than not enough.  I also leave detailed notes for my husband in case he needs to get in touch with me.  I never want to leave anyone guessing on where to find me, be it if I’m going 30 miles down the highway for a meeting or cross-country for a client event.  Planning ahead is a courtesy to those around you who support your career.  I’ve also found that the more people know the more initiative they can take to help me if I need assistance.  For example, if my husband knows I’m in D.C. for a meeting, he can expect me to get stuck in traffic; therefore he can get a jump start on making dinner. 

3. Remember to Express Gratitude

How many times have you heard from your spouse a “thank you” for supporting their career?  My husband reminds me often that if it wasn’t for my willingness to move every three years, he wouldn’t feel as successful with his role in the military.  He appreciates that I’ve been able to find a job that moves around with us between each duty station.  I’m grateful for this, too, and it’s my responsibility to thank him so he knows that without his support I wouldn’t be able to feel fulfilled with my career. A well-placed “thank you” every now and again is a great reminder for your support team that you appreciate their role.  It’s a great motivator, too. 

As you go about your business of life, consider how these three tactics will help you with your personal and professional communications.  Even if you only implement one of the, you’re going to find that your work and life seem much more manageable.  Great luck to you as you continue to live your life in balance!

-- Angie Morgan, a former Marine Corps Captain, is the co-founder of Lead Star, a leadership consulting firm, and co-author of the best-selling business book, Leading from the Front: No Excuse Leadership Tactics for Women (McGraw-Hill).  Through Lead Star, Angie shares leadership principles and values of one of the world’s greatest institutions: The United States Marine Corps. Lead Star’s clients include Wal-Mart, Merrill Lynch, Cisco Systems, Raytheon, Uno’s Chicago Bar & Grill, SAIC and Baylor College of Medicine.  Lead Star’s success has been recognized in Inc. Magazine, The New York Times, The Chicago Tribune and Fast Company.  Angie has also been a featured guest on FOX & Friends, CBNC, and CNN, and she is an AOL Business Coach.