One of the most critical roles in the family business drama is that of the entrepreneur's spouse. Traditionally, this role has been fulfilled by the male entrepreneur's wife and the mother of his children. However, more women are becoming entrepreneurs, and many husbands have now assumed the role of entrepreneur's spouse.
In order for the spouse to play a supporting role in the entrepreneur's career, there must be communication between the spouse and the entrepreneur and the spouse must be a good listener. The spouse needs to hear what's going on in the business; otherwise, she or he feels detached and must compete for attention. The spouse can offer understanding and act as a sounding board for the entrepreneur only if they communicate on matters of obvious importance to them both individually and as a family.
It is easy for the spouse to function as worrier for the family business. This is Particularly true if there is insufficient communication about business matters. One spouse expressed her feelings in the following way:
I've told my husband that I have an active imagination—very active. If he doesn't tell one what's going on in the business, well, then I'm going to imagine what's going on and blow it all out of proportion. When things are looking dark, I'd rather know the worst than know nothing."