We didn’t intend for the Equating Leadership to Marriage post to have multiple parts, but we got a wonderful comment from one of our readers, Supriya Grade, so we asked if she would allow us to share it with our readers. 

In a good marriage…
Spouses LISTEN to each other and understand each other. All that understanding is reflected in action. Commitment and love are not just words to speak at the altar, but are reflected in one’s actions. When the trash is so full the house stinks, one will throw it out no matter whose turn it is.

In good leadership…
Leaders and their teams are one with the organizational mission and values. It is not just information you need to listen to in orientation sessions, but something to reflect in your daily tasks when you begin your work. You don’t blame each other for loose ends; you first tie them up and then later figure out why they existed in the first place.

In a good marriage…
One person does not try to change the other. Differences are accepted and celebrated, which makes them a connected unit and prepares them to face the world as a wholesome couple.

In good leadership…
Not only the leaders but every employee knows and accepts the responsibility of fulfilling the organization’s mission. When everyone is on the same path respect and acceptance is shown to all personality types in the organization. People can be proud of their differences and encouraging of other’s strengths.

In a good marriage…
Spouses love and need each other, but are not dependent on each other for everything. It is nice when you call your spouse to share the minute details of your day, but making that an obsession is not a healthy marriage. The need to share should not be crippling.

In good leadership…
Everyone is a key part of the process and empower one another to do their best. Though they are dependent on each other to get their work done, they do not interfere where they don’t belong or seek advice for tasks they can do on their own. Unnecessary meetings or phone calls are avoided. The emphasis is on sharing quality information, not the quantity of information shared.

In a good marriage…
One person does not blame the other. Both are responsible for maintaining the relationship and each must ask themselves, “Did I do all that you can?”

In good leadership…
There is no place for excuses. Nobody hesitates to go beyond what is stated in his or her job description to achieve maximum growth for the organization. They know that if you are willing to do more than you are paid to do, eventually you will be paid to do more than you do.

In a good marriage…
Things that matter aren’t brushed under the carpet. Spouses have the maturity to talk it out and confront it. Their priority is not to stroke each other’s ego to make their partner feel better. Their priority is on personal growth and improving the relationship.

In good leadership…
Professional roles are never held above the organizations’ efficiency goals. There is an open culture where suggestions, complaints and feedbacks can come from anyone in the company and have a prime role in molding organizational philosophy and functionality.

In a good marriage…
Spouses flatter each other in public but critique each other in private, and not vice versa. They nourish each other and give the best endowment they can for their partner’s growth and success.

In good leadership…
Teamwork is the focus. When individuals succeed, the team succeeds. Individuals are part of such dynamic and fulfilling team environment they don’t feel the need to take credit as individuals.


Supriya Gade, a Management Analyst at University of Texas Medical Branch, is an adventurous Healthcare professional on a journey of Health and Healthcare Management. Starting as a physician in India, she completed her MBA in Houston and is looking forward to pursuing her Doctorate in Health Administration from Central Michigan University. With concrete visions and action steps she aspires to be a prolific influencer in the industry. 

Not only she is industrious, enterprising and ambitious at her work place; she is equally playful and creative in all her endeavors be it a career, education or life itself.  Humor and innovation are an inseparable part of her life and for that reason she always says, “Be ‘textbook’ wise, but don’t forget to be ‘life’ smart!”