Communication is the difference between conflict and consensus.
Predictable and natural tensions occur between a family and a business. These tensions can lead to conflict, slowed decision making, management issues and other challenges to business continuity and family harmony. Families are more likely to succeed at every level when they can express disagreements in a healthy way and manage conflict proactively.We’ve helped thousands of families communicate more constructively and address sensitive topics so they can move forward. Our team brings a depth of experience in family dynamics to put your family on the path to stronger relationships and, as a result, better decision making.
Enforcing Accountability
Everyone is accountable when everyone has a voice.
For families to have a constructive dialogue, it’s important that each person be accountable for their own actions. But these thorny, sometimes emotional conversations require a safe space where challenging topics can be addressed without creating more tension.
Acting as family facilitators, we can be a neutral resource that listens and allows all voices to be heard. Our facilitators can guide conversations exploring defined roles, behavior and accountability. The goal is building trust and cohesion so families can move toward solutions. And we help establish codes of conduct to avoid potential conflicts going forward, so the past doesn’t dictate the future.
The cumulative avoidance of difficult conversations can result in divorce, estrangement and lawsuits.
The cumulative avoidance of difficult conversations can result in divorce, estrangement and lawsuits.
The cumulative avoidance of difficult conversations can result in divorce, estrangement and lawsuits.
The cumulative avoidance of difficult conversations can result in divorce, estrangement and lawsuits.
The cumulative avoidance of difficult conversations can result in divorce, estrangement and lawsuits.
The cumulative avoidance of difficult conversations can result in divorce, estrangement and lawsuits.
Improving Communication
How a family communicates impacts how the family business works.
Poor communication can be the undoing of many otherwise strong family businesses – and can just as easily damage family unity. The worst kind of communication is no communication at all. Families benefit from open and honest discussion and an exchange of information that’s healthy and productive.
Our consultants coach families on ways to communicate more effectively, while recognizing and celebrating the differences among family members and generations. We help families find a balance between traditional and modern modes of communication, as well as maintain the close connections that are vital to a family business’s success.
Conflict Resolution
Difficult conversations can become the rallying point for healthier relationships.
Conflict in a family business is normal and predictable. It’s unmanaged conflict or issues that aren’t openly discussed that lead to larger problems. Tensions that originated years or decades before can continue to impact business decisions or the appreciation of family members.
We show families how they can benefit from expressing disagreements in a healthy, productive way and proactively manage them. Developing skills to negotiate conflict, both individually and as a family, can improve communication and family bonds for a lifetime.