SUGGESTIONS FOR PROCESSING THIS EXERCISE WITH THE CLIENT

A family business has many positives, but there can also be some awkward and uncomfortable times. This is especially true when the next generation is given the reins and expected to run the business. Sometimes those who have been in charge have difficulty giving up their control, and still want the final say. It is important for family members to discuss and come to terms regarding who maintains what role and what that role means. As a way to signify the changing of the guard, so to speak, it is oftentimes beneficial to have a ceremony.

EXERCISE XVII.A

A CHANGING OF THE GUARD

The following exercise is designed to help those family members who are currently in charge to hand over the reins to the new leaders or bosses.

1. Have those family members who are currently in charge purchase or design a big key, to symbolize the keys to the business.

2. Suggest that the family go out to dinner together and recommend that the current members in charge make a speech announcing the names of the family members who will from this time forward (or starting on a specific date) be the new bosses.

3. At the end of the speech present the key to the new bosses.

Therapist’s Overview

WHO IS DOING WHAT?

GOALS OF THE EXERCISE

1. Establish guidelines for boundaries and define roles of each family member in a family business.

2. Achieve agreement regarding the levels of power and responsibilities among family members in a family business.

ADDITIONAL HOMEWORK THAT MAY BE APPLICABLE TO FAMILY BUSINESS CONFLICTS

• Why Can’t You Understand My Side for Once? Pages 164, 166

ADDITIONAL PROBLEMS FOR WHICH THIS EXERCISE MAY BE USEFUL

SUGGESTIONS FOR PROCESSING THIS EXERCISE WITH THE CLIENT

Once a changing of the guard in a family business is official, family members still need to identify who is responsible for what aspects of the business. One area of conflict that frequently arises during such transitions involves how things have been conducted in the past and the way in which the next generation wants things to work. Another salient issue has to do with the amount of say and control those who have turned over the keys still maintain.

EXERCISE XVII.B

WHO IS DOING WHAT?

FOR FAMILY MEMBERS INVOLVED IN A FAMILY BUSINESS

The following exercise will help you to establish guidelines for boundaries and define roles of each member in the family business. Each person involved should read and respond to the first two items by him/herself.

1. Have family members identify their skills and strengths. (This can be used for a family discussion in the next session.)

2. Have family members put in writing the needs of the business. It would be helpful to have those who were most recently in charge, as well as those who have just transitioned into that role, to identify the goals/objectives of the business for the coming year.

3. Have the family meet as a group and match the skills/strengths of each family member to the various roles and responsibilities within the business.