Blog
READY FOR A REBOOT?
We are taking off our masks and getting back to the office. It has been a long and exhausting journey. Here are a few ideas for a path to renewal. Perhaps one (or more) will work for you
Address it head-on
Addressing conflict head-on can be a game changer. Embracing disagreements can save years of therapy and legal fees. Often the impulse is to avoid conflict at all costs and run for the hills. It is important to remember families are diverse, conflict is natural and, in the end, conflict resolution makes you stronger and more resilient.
How to know when it is time to get help for your family business governance.
Most family run enterprises hold onto the past to preserve family values and honor the vision of the founders. This does not mean you have to run the business the same way the founding generation did. “We have always done it this way” does not need to be your mantra. Don’t wait until there is conflict to make changes.
ANSWER THE PHONE WITH PIZZAZZ AND GET THE YES
When clients call your office, the first person they encounter is the one who answers the phone, which is why front office phone training is so important. It is that first impression that sets the tone for the customer experience and having a successful interaction with a potential client is critical in making sure that call becomes a consultation and eventually a new client. Consistency is key; training every member of your team to conduct phone calls in the same manor will not only impress your clients but make them feel comfortable and ready to say YES.
Managing Conflict in your family is hard, it is exponentially hard in the family business.
Families can learn to celebrate each other’s strengths and admire one another for their individual creativity and resourcefulness. When families choose to work at this intentionally, they can cultivate a culture of fondness and admiration that helps everyone feel valued. If you listen deeply and clearly convey to the person that you understand what they are saying conflict can be avoided
Focus on how you want to react to situations regardless of what others do. This in itself, will make a huge impact.
Family Business Topics for your next family governance meeting.
Each business family has its own culture, strengths, idiosyncrasies, and shared history. That’s why each family must do its own work to develop specific policies and processes that stem from the foundation of their own family values. These are a few of the topics to address at your next family meeting.
A Compass to Guide the Family
Defining your core family values and designing your family mission statement creates higher levels of cohesion, unity and communication within the family as a whole.
“Married-In”
It’s not easy marrying into a family business. Even the term “married-in” sounds like a term for outsiders and interlopers. How can you be a part of a family and maintain your independence? Here are some thoughts on developing your own narrative.
Family-Owned Business Advantages
Families are more likely to stick together and do what is necessary to keep the business going during hard times. Having that bond is just one of the advantages of being a family-owned business.