Blessings for the Family Business
The act of offering a blessing reminds us we are part of a larger story, that our time together is important, that our presence with one another is meaningful. These 24 Blessings for the Family...
Articles
Manage Your Succession "Workquake"
December 10, 2023 in Succession and Estate Planning
"We don’t have any hobbies; all we’ve ever done is work!” Many readers have heard that phrase—and might have even said it—on more than one occasion. Here's what it means for your succession plan.
Consider Delaying the Next Generation's Return
November 10, 2023 in Management Issues in Family Business
Seeing the next generation return to work on the family farm or ranch is a significant source of pride. However, being “able” to return and being “ready” to return are differences that have serious...
Forgiveness is Hard Work in the Family Business
October 10, 2023 in Conflict Resolution and Communication in Family Business
At some point in the family business, you will hurt, and be hurt by, those you love. Forgiveness, then, is a difficult but necessary element of being in business together.
Leaving Your True Legacy
September 10, 2023 in Succession and Estate Planning
Of the many things you intend to give the next generation, perhaps nothing has as much potential permanence as the principles and philosophies you leave behind.
Addiction in the Family Business
August 10, 2023 in Conflict Resolution and Communication in Family Business
Every farmer or rancher can point to a neighbor, friend or even their own family to see the disastrous effects of substance abuse and addiction.
When Family Businesses Become Dangerous
June 10, 2023 in Management Issues in Family Business
Family farms and ranches can be great places to work. However, the family perspective brings certain tendencies that can threaten the future of the business, imperiling both the important work and...
Five Priceless Gifts in the Family Business
May 4, 2023 in Succession and Estate Planning
In family-farm and ranch transitions, valuable gifts are an integral part of estate-planning strategies. But another set of gifts have a high value but a comparatively low cost: gifts rooted in...
Life is in the Transitions
April 10, 2023 in Succession and Estate Planning
Life is full of transitions. Bruce Feiler, in his 2020 book “Life Is in the Transitions,” offers tools for many of the transitions in our lives, and those ideas apply to family business succession.
The Double-Edged Sword of Sacrifice
March 18, 2023 in Succession and Estate Planning
As businesses transition from one generation to the next, the type of sacrificial behavior expected, or offered, might change. It’s important to talk about sacrifice and what it currently means to...
