EO Program Spotlight: The Benefits of Spousal Forums
In January 2014, the Singapore chapter launched its first Spousal Forum to much acclaim. Given its popularity and immediate impact, the chapter’s second Spousal Forum “soft launched” in November. As the Forum Moderator for the initial W3 Spousal Forum, I can attest to the valuable role Spousal Forums play in the growth of a chapter and its membership. In our experience, when fully utilized, Spousal Forums represent one of the most important EO benefits. There are plenty of reasons why you (or your partner) should establish (or join) a Spousal Forum. They include:
Personal and professional growth. Growth beyond one’s comfort zone, pushing boundaries and learning to trust are all part of the Forum experience. It’s a liberating process, and one that enables participants to work through difficult issues in a supportive environment. What’s more, he or she will receive countless opportunities to develop leadership skills by accessing learning and training programs available to EO members.
Strengthening bonds. Since all Spousal Forum members go through the Forum Training Program, spouses will be more understanding about their partners’ involvement in Forum. And any insecurities or anxiety about the confidential nature of Forum are minimized (or eliminated) since there is a greater acceptance about the need to create a safe environment for deep sharing. Furthermore, couples can apply Forum principles in a familial setting— open communication channels, a non-judgmental environment, and trust and respect can bring the whole family together!
Chapter benefits. Spousal Forum members will gain greater benefit from their partners’ EO membership. Naturally, they will be more supportive of participation in chapter activities, and enhanced engagement helps with retention rates. What’s more, the chapter benefits when Spousal Forums play a supportive role in their activities. For example, several members of the W3 Spousal Forum organized a movie fundraiser on behalf of the chapter, raising SGD$62,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation!
Although there are many clear benefits to having Spousal Forums, we found that stereotypes and misconceptions can undermine their establishment. Here are some common assumptions about the Spousal Forum experience that should be corrected:
A Spousal Forum is populated by housewives. Never mind that EO Singapore’s second Spousal Forum will have at least two male members. Many Spousal Forum participants are professionals who are actively involved in their own businesses or are co-founders of EO member companies. Members of the W3 Spousal Forum, for example, include an aesthetic doctor, jeweler, managing director of an herbal supplements company, pre-school director and event organizer. Before becoming the Moderator, I was a lawyer who, until recently, managed the business affairs of an award-winning dental practice.
Spousal Forums are gossip dens. Just as entrepreneurs face unique challenges, their spouses deal with unique pressures, too. Spousal Forum meetings represent opportunities to learn from the experiences of a group of peers who may have gone through similar business or personal issues. There is no interest or time to spend on idle gossip, as Forum meetings follow an agenda with strict adherence to the time allotted for each segment. As many seasoned EO members can attest, emotional, psychological and practical support from your Forum mates is priceless.
