Establishing a Culture

The informal culture found in many family businesses can result in a lax approach to training new employees, whether they are family members or not.

For many businesses, having a laid-back culture is a positive. However, the informal structure and culture found in many family businesses can equate to a lack of documentation, policies, and defined strategy and goals.

There are many components necessary for building, or re-building, a strong and effective foundation for a successful family business. Creating a formal culture and plan leads to clear and effective communication between family members and non-family members alike.

SUGGESTIONS:

• Design a documented strategic plan for business growth and orderly succession. A plan helps focus you on your goals and building your family Legacy.

• Create clear policies, procedures, and business norms that are distributed to all employees. You don’t want to leave it up to assumption or interpretation which can cause friction and resentment.

• Educate all employees on the company values, ethics, and business philosophy. Post it on the wall, create team-building exercises around them, shout it out. You want everyone in the company to believe in them.

• All job descriptions must be clear, in writing and adhered to. This will avoid role confusion and apparent nepotism.

• Family members who work in the business must accept the employer/employee relationship. Drop the use of Dad, Mom, Sis and Sweetheart in the office. Always call each other by first names around employees and clients