A few questions to pose for the family enterprise. These questions arise whether in good or challenging times, and often are exacerbated in the more difficult times:

– is there room for feelings in the family business?
– why does conflict arise? Generally, there are a number of sensitive areas that have to be considered and addressed:
– fair does not mean equal
– owner vs employee
– did not get a job for lack of qualifications
– I was not consulted

How to head off these potential conflicts. Simple = communicaton. Some other methods for consideration:

– anticipate: find out what are the hot buttons for the family upcoming, whether it be health, change in marital status or a change in the business direction
– clarify roles as between owner, family, employee: this takes a knowledgable advisor to help to educate the family about their different roles within the family enterprise
– write it down and communicate: doing this can avoid misunderstandings in future.

The key: communicate, communicate, communicate

Learn, think, apply!!