David and Goliath. The Hatfields and McCoys. Wyle E. Coyote and the Roadrunner. Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr, Sir. These are legendary adversaries, valiant foes, sworn enemies.

And many believe that list should also include something a little closer to our everyday … Marketing & Sales.

I disagree, however. And let me tell you why…

Recently, I had the opportunity to spend four days with some of the top sales and success leaders in our organization. It was a chance to:

• Connect with people who share our mission and are beneficiaries of our methodology; 
• Come together in real-time, in-person — outside the two-dimensional world in which we’ve been living for the past year and a half, and;
• Strengthen the relationships we have with some of our most important colleagues — our Field Team.

So here is what I listened to, learned about, and laughed at during our time together. 

1. Steve is one of the most interesting people I’ve ever met. Now, I don’t work with Steve, but I do work with his wife Shari Daniel and had the opportunity to enjoy dinner with both of them. We did what we’re not supposed to do in polite company and talked Judaism over dinner, but we also shared our passions for 80s movies —”I want my two dollars!” — and music (Shari can tell the most amazing Axl Rose of Guns & Roses story.) And apparently Steve is a talented chef who cordially invited us to Thanksgiving in Arizona next year to enjoy the fruits of his labor.

Takeaway: The most important people in our lives come to work with us every day, waiting in the wings, but supporting all that we do. Thank you, Steve.

2. Chuck Hernandez has an enduring passion for company and commitment. He has been with Global Knowledge for 18 years and during that time has held many essential roles that have helped to bring the company to this point. But he is far more dedicated to and passionate about his family. His wife Megan and I share a birth state and her laughter is infectious.

Takeaway: Work is not always easy, but when you have an amazing support system and a passion for what you do, success and happiness will follow.

3. Nuala MacDonald-Ross and her husband cannot stop smiling. Every time you see them, they are gracious, kind, and genuinely enjoying their time together. I know they will be showing pictures of this trip to their grandkids upon return.

Takeaway: We must strike a balance. Work will always be there, but it’s important to step away, clear the head, and enjoy what life has to offer.

4. Emily Krolak and Tanya are so much fun! It’s not always easy to get away with your spouse, particularly when you have children at home, so the next best thing? Your best friend. I’ve enjoyed getting to know both women who share my wry sense of humor.

Takeaway: Friendships are enduring and it’s important that we have a close-knit circle with whom we can share all. There’s an old saying, “There are friends; there is family. And then there are friends who become family.”

5. Last, but by no means least, Eric Stine is a true partner. I am grateful for our partnership and his support of marketing. He has been vocal in his praise of our team and his recognition that sales cannot be effective without a strong marketing partner.  And he has worked to reshape outdated and long-held beliefs about what marketing is and what it is not.

Takeaway: It starts at the top.

There may be a natural (and sometimes even productive) rivalry between Marketing and Sales. But certainly, organizations that can build synergy, respect, and a shared mission between the two teams realize the best working relationships (and, of course, the very sweetest results).  Many people have written about the importance of the Marketing and Sales partnership and the value it can deliver when strong, but I wanted to share something a bit more personal. 

Because that’s what relationships are … personal.