I have found one of the most powerful ways to keep relationships working is to use what I call “the Date Night Questions.” Don’t let the name fool you. These questions can be used for all your relationships: spouses, business partners, colleagues, kids… you name it.
I invite you to give them a try. All you have to do is schedule time once a week (or a month) and ask these questions to one another. Then, watch how your relationship becomes more trusting, open, and honest.
Here they are:
>Do you have any expectations that are being broken?
>Is there anything that I’ve promised that I didn’t deliver on?
>Do you have any concerns?
>What do you wish was different?
>What have you not had an opportunity to say to me?
>Do you have any needs that aren’t being met?
>What is one thing on your wish list?
>What do you want to be acknowledged for?
>What are you happy about?
>What do you feel like you have to conceal from me?
>What are you committed to in this partnership this week?
>Is there anything you have to give up in order to be that?
>What are you most excited about in the next week?
The key is to listen, acknowledge and appreciate the other person during the entire process.