Getting the Family Business Unstuck
Some of the most common frustrations are related to ownership transitions.
Articles
Start the Conversation
February 18, 2011 in Conflict Resolution and Communication in Family Business
This time of year can be a great time for family business conversations. The pace is slower, there are opportunities to travel together to industry meetings, and people are generally thinking about...
How to Groom Replacements
February 18, 2011 in Succession and Estate Planning
Power shifting in any business is often uncomfortable. Is the older generation ready to hand over some power and is the younger generation prepared to assume responsibility?
Plan a Family Chat over Christmas Break
December 18, 2010 in Conflict Resolution and Communication in Family Business
Plan a Family Chat During Christmas Break
Lay the Groundwork for Succession
December 18, 2010 in Succession and Estate Planning
Family business consultants often suggest that families in business adopt a policy encouraging farm kids to go to college or technical school, and then work somewhere else for a few years before...
The Power of Recognition
December 18, 2010 in Management Issues in Family Business
As busy season arrives, the focus turns toward long hours, back-to-back client meetings, stacks (or electronic drawers) of files, and the frantic pace of filing deadlines.
Boost the Next Generation’s Success
November 18, 2010 in Succession and Estate Planning
Requiring an off-farm apprenticeship will build appreciation for home-farm experience and broaden a successors skill set.
Prenuptial Agreements
October 18, 2010 in Conflict Resolution and Communication in Family Business
Before the Wedding, Talk About Prenups
Estate Planning - Don't Wait for Congress
September 18, 2010 in Succession and Estate Planning
Perhaps you've heard the saying that goes something like this: What's the opposite of the word "pro"? To which most people answer, of course, "con." So what's the opposite of progress? Congress! When...
Using an Outsider
August 18, 2010 in Conflict Resolution and Communication in Family Business
As I've facilitated business meetings over the last few years, more and more families are inviting a respected peer to sit in on the discussion and offer feedback and guidance. Families see the...
