Its elementary

A couple of weeks back I had the good fortune of visiting the MindTree campus in Bangalore. I returned loving its architecture and appreciating the thoughtfulness that must have gone into making it beautiful. Impressed by it all, I began reading its co-founder Subroto Bagchi's authored The High Performance Entrepreneur.

It has an interesting chapter which tells us the nine elements that one should have when setting up a core entrepreneurial team. The truth is we could do with making use of some of these in our personal relationships too. Here is my take.

1. Complementary composition
Just like with building a team, instead of looking for pure compatibility we should go for someone who is able to complement us. A couple need not be exact opposites to attract each other. They should really be able to fill in each others blanks. When and where one is weak, the other should take over.

2. Shared vision

When starting a company the core team should have a shared vision. I had read somewhere that couples who discuss their future plans indeed go a long way. Seeing another rejoice in your success and having them express their support in your endeavours can only increase your happiness by manifold and bring the two closer.

3. Transparency

Apparently even though the initial MindTree team had known each other for years, before starting they actually sat together to openly talk about themselves. The idea was to make members aware of any pitfalls including health problems that could affect the company adversely. Similarly in a relation being honest and truthful can save a lot of unnecessary time and emotions spent.

4. Ability to question each other and take disagreement in stride

It is understandable that during discussions of proposals and strategies everyone in the team is not bound to hold the same views. Occasionally this can lead to arguments and a heated atmosphere. The author says that before stepping out of the conference room the team should sort out their differences and arrive at a consensus. This is a rule which every husband and wife pair should also follow. One shouldn't carry your anger or grudges over to the next day. Let it go even before going to sleep.

5. Personal integrity and mutual trust, and Resilience

You must have faith in the venture you've begun and in the people who are there with you. There will be criticism and questions raised. Things might not seem to be going according to your plans. But you must not give up. Many companies failed to reach the pinnacle when people behind them lost steam. Any and every relationship has to go through its share of downs. But be it in sickness or in health, for richer or for poorer... we should stand by each other.