Wingspouse Concept
The wingspouse™ concept offers an alternative to the traditional career choices some executive’s spousee are forced to make. Rather than requiring a choice between a career or family, the wingspouse™ career unites the two – creating a partnership between the executive and the spouse, and leading to mutual success. The executive becomes more successful and desired by companies, and the spouse enjoys many opportunities ranging from a stronger marriage to new skills for the future. Companies benefit too, as they discover that supporting a culture of family first actually increases productivity, recruitment/retention, and health care savings.
The Wingspouse™ term comes from the similar term wingman which refers to a pilot who provides support to another pilot. A spouse of an executive acts in a similar manner, partnering with the career executive to become one united force… facing difficult times head on and celebrating every victory together. Who said you can’t have it all! I redefine the executive wife and blow the traditional role out the water! Ecclesiastes 4:12
What is a wingspouse™ partner?
She is a dynamic person who is partner to a high level executive mate. She enjoys the success of the executive’s career and actively participates in that success using her own unique set of skills. Her partner is a successful executive who accomplishes even greater things with her on the team. Their symbiotic relationship cultivates mutual respect, stronger emotional bonds, and great career satisfaction.
What does a wingspouse™ partner do?
Every wingspouse brings something unique to the table. For example, she may use her own strengths and talents to…
- develop an effective professional and social network
- keep the executive informed on what’s happening, what’s said, what’s developing
- use her training/job experience to aid the executive in accomplishing a goal
- protect the executive’s time
- develop community connections through participation in boards & charity events
- keep work/family balance in check
- promote a positive image of self, the executive, and the employer
- act as a soundboard/muse
- monitor the executive’s mental/physical health and need for margin
- take extra steps to allow her husband to be a part of children’s activities and accomplishments
Can anyone be a wingspouse?
Not really. A wingspouse is able to accomplish much because of the opportunities afforded by the executive career. Social events, exposure to influential people, and financial ability all play into the success of a wingspouse. Even with all of that, a wingspouse must possess leadership qualities, instinct, and the ability to adapt to change. That’s not to say that with the right set of circumstances, a spouse couldn’t strongly increase the success of a non-executive partner to the point of reaching executive status. It’s just really hard. Also, if your partner isn’t on board with including you in the career then you won’t be able to be affective.
Can I be a wingspouse™ partner and still have a career?
It’s possible to be employed outside of the home and still act like a wingspouse™ in some capacity. A few wingspouses are lucky enough to have a career that directly benefits the executive spouse. However, a true wingspouse™ is a full-time and equal partner to the executive. She enjoys being professionally challenged, but finds a separate career difficult because of executive career expectations, time demands, relocations, or family responsibilities. That’s just the nature of the beast. If this sounds like you, then you probably have the makings of a wingspouse.
How can companies use a wingspouse™?
Smart companies realize the benefits of a wingspouse™ and encourage participation. Companies may invite wingspouses to help court candidates’ spouses during an interview process, improve the company image within the community, or organize events. Companies may even tap into their individual talents. There are so many ways companies can use this valuable resource and make it fun and rewarding for the wingspouse couple as well.
Want to learn more?
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