We\u2019ve all heard the phrase \u201cfollowing in my father\u2019s footsteps\u201d \u2013 but does that phrase indicated that you have to find a way to step exactly into each step? Or does it come down to just sticking to a similar trail? When it comes to following in the footsteps of the previous generation in a family business, finding your own footholds is vital part of helping the company thrive AND still wanting to talk to your mom or dad when the phone rings.<\/p>\n
What I\u2019m saying is that you have to find the right balance between work and life, especially when it comes to working in \u2013 and eventually inheriting or passing on \u2013 a family business. Here are some solutions families can use to build a healthy working relationship while maintaining a happy relationship at home:<\/p>\n
Create boundaries:<\/strong> Make sure that all family members involved in the business understand that there is a time for work and a time for family. Although it\u2019s difficult, try to keep those two things separate. It\u2019s also important to respect the boundaries of others, and remember that Christmas is not the time for a board meeting even if you\u2019re all in the same room!<\/p>\n Compartmentalize:<\/strong> If you\u2019re bringing a family member into the business and you want that person to take any level of ownership in the business, give them certain tasks or departments to oversee and lead. Not only does this take some of the day-to-day operations off your plate, but it also gives your family member a place to grow and make their own. Also, work to keep work at work and home at home, no matter how tempting it may be to talk shop over Sunday dinner.<\/p>\n Build an Identity:<\/strong> If you\u2019re the one joining the family business, you need to be more than Mr. Smith\u2019s daughter or Mrs. Johnson\u2019s son. You have to earn the respect of your employees as your own person and not just as the next generation and that all starts with building an identity. It\u2019s also a good idea to find a place where your name doesn\u2019t matter \u2013 like as part of a community group.<\/p>\n – Growth Coach President Nathan Owens<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" We\u2019ve all heard the phrase \u201cfollowing in my father\u2019s footsteps\u201d \u2013 but does that phrase indicated that you have to find a way to step exactly into each step? Or does it come down to just sticking to a similar trail? When it comes to following in the footsteps of the previous generation in a […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":142,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1628","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"yoast_head":"\n