Tag: family business conflict

Why Family Business Founders Struggle to Step Back During Succession

Founder resistance is often more complicated than control. Empathy can help families understand what founders are trying to protect — and what their continued involvement may be preventing. Read more

Fair Does Not Always Mean Equal: Ownership Decisions in Family Business

Families often struggle to decide whether shares should be divided equally among children or reflect leadership, sacrifice, and “sweat equity.” In family businesses, few conversations generate Read more

The Hidden Fault Lines That Threaten Family Enterprises

From death and divorce to disruption and disrepute: these 12 hidden risks can weaken family enterprises over time. Family enterprises are often admired for their long-term orientation, strong values, Read more

How Families Can Override Emotions to Make Better Judgments

When decisions become emotionally charged, it becomes harder to think clearly just when clear thinking is needed most. A family business leader said to me recently, “We need to make a decision, but Read more

How Families Can Move From Conflict to Forgiveness

Set boundaries clearly and often, understand your own hot buttons, and be genuinely curious about why the other side thinks the way they do. Conflict is a normal part of the human experience, but it Read more

The 11 Digital Warning Signs of Conflict Escalation in Business Families

Digital communication speeds up family business decisions—but it also accelerates conflict. Based on 100+ pages of real emails and texts, here are 11 signs that an all-out brawl is coming. The Read more

Rom-Coms Can Complicate Your Succession Planning

Unrealistic depictions of the sacrifices and tradeoffs of family business leadership -- streamed repeatedly -- can color younger people’s attitudes towards taking the helm. Popular TV dramas like Read more

Why Enterprising Families Need a Code of Conduct

As Prince Andrew showed, one person’s behavior can become everyone's problem. Families must set expectations, outline processes, and provide clarity before emotions take over. In late 2025, King Read more

Families Can Overcome Generational Conflicts Over Technology

A study of Italian firms shows how differences can be resolved, so the company can honor tradition and still make progress. EDITOR‘S NOTE: This article was produced in partnership with the Journal Read more

Listening to the Family: The Strategic Value of Surveys

Surveys can reveal differing perspectives, surface hidden tensions, and – when done well – build trust, and serve as an educational opportunity. From the boardroom to the family meeting, a Read more