Conflict Management
Managing Sibling Wealth Disparity pt.1
When misunderstood, wealth disparity between siblings can build resentment… Understand why and steps you can take towards a shared vision. Part 1 of a 2-part series by Continuity Managing Partners Doug Baumoel and Blair Trippe Forging a close relationship among siblings during childhood is hard enough, but as siblings become adults, disparities in wealth that may develop can challenge even the strongest relationships. In business-owning families, the potential ramifications are extensive. The dynamic doesn’t just play out in the personal lives of the immediate family; it also can impact the alignment of corporate vision, tolerance for risk and overall decision [...]
Importance of The Family Factor in Managing Family Business Conflict
“The family — that dear octopus from whose tentacles we never quite escape, nor, in our inmost hearts, ever quite wish to.” ~~Dodie Smith Continued Relations Unlike classic business disputes where warring parties can do battle, inflict fatal wounds and walk away from each other, in a family enterprise this just isn’t possible, nor desirable in most situations. And it’s true even when the individual(s) at the heart of the conflict seemingly doesn’t care about their relationship any longer. In time, they ultimately agree that they’re part of “something bigger” and breaking these ties would be devastating and far-reaching. The [...]
Releasing Blame: The Case for Forgiveness
“He who cannot forgive others breaks the bridge over which he must pass.” – Confucius Getting Past Long-Held Grudges Takes Time It’s very common for members of family owned businesses to become bogged down in past conflicts, creating what we call “historical impasse”. These are disputes that remain problematic and continue to impact present-day relationships. When this happens, families often get stuck in unproductive behavior patterns. They’re still holding onto hurtful issues that happened a decade, or even a generation ago. If a family is to get beyond these hurts, they need to explore a process of education about forgiveness. [...]
How to Enjoy Your Family Over the Holidays When You Work With Them
As we head further into the holiday season, many of us are preparing for family functions with the full spectrum of emotions running from eager anticipation to dread.
Family Ties and Relationship Challenges
Family business conflict is typically caused by opposing goals, incompatible values and/or an historical impasse. Often, families will avoid discussing these because there are deep commitments on both sides that might make it hard to come to consensus. When this happens, the business can suffer from inaction. Historical Impasse can often act as the cement that keeps such situations “stuck”.
Managing Identity-Based Conflict
Families are made up of individuals who each have their own unique values, goals, personality traits and talents which are at the core of their sense of self, or their identity. When they feel that their very sense of self is threatened, they will go to desperate lengths to defend what they hold dear.
It’s Not What You Think: Five Myths About Family Business Conflict
A healthy family system processes conflict constantly. In a family business, it is completely normal for deeply-caring individuals to struggle in coming to consensus over the governance, succession and growth of their enterprise. Well-managed conflict can lead to new approaches, innovative strategies, and resilience.