Change in the Family Business
“There is
nothing permanent except change”
Heraclitus,
513 BC
Based on this
quote, people have been struggling with change for over 2,500 years.
I recently was
talking with several business owners who commented that they felt the economic
climate, the business climate, and the family dynamics were changing so fast
they did not know which way to turn. Those comments stirred my thoughts to
explore what do business families need to be aware of, or not lose in a
changing environment?
If we stop to
think why people usually fight change it is frequently because they feel they
do not have or will not have control and the familiarity of the known is more
comforting than the unknown. The natural response to this feeling of
powerlessness, frustration, and fear is resistance. This resistance requires
inclusion in the discussions, evaluations of the options, and a belief that as
a family all are united.
Several ways we
can begin to help our families and businesses deal with change is to recognize
and admit that change is a fact of life and without it we will never grow our
business or build a family legacy. With a recognition of these facts, together
the business family can decide what, where, when, and how the change will be
met.
By reaching out
to other family members, maintaining realistic optimism and a can-do spirit the
business can meet and plan for changes by finding new opportunities in changing
situations.
Sometimes change
feels like a roller coaster with no one sure which way to go.
If you expect
the unexpected you will not be surprised that you are surprised.
How is your
family and your business planning for change?