When a business organization employs a married executive, it has engaged not one but two people: the executive and his or her relationship partner. It is rare, however, that organizational leaders consider the executive’s relationship, even though the executive partner indirectly becomes part of the organization. Indeed, it is likely that both relationship partners are employed, which raises the pressure and the demands on the relationship.

Not taking measures to protect the couple relationship is a shortsighted approach. Indeed, in my experience over many years of working with high-level executive couples, it seems that executive relationships are becoming an endangered species. However, when they are not protected, the cost to families, as well as to the corporate culture, is steep. In fact, it seems that troubled relationships and divorces ruin more executives than business failures.

What about the men and women who are successful in the corporate world and in family life? What do they do and what do they avoid to make it work? I've spoken to many successful couples. From the way they whisper to one another, still hold hands, and flirt, it’s clear they care deeply. They’re living testaments that an intimate relationship is not incompatible with a dynamic career. And they remind us of an important lesson:

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