Working effectively for family business requires ongoing dialog<\/p>\n
Pri Notowidigdo, The Amrop Hever Group, Global Executive Search,
\n(e-mail: jakarta@amrophever.com)<\/p>\n
Andy Dasyat (fictitious) faces the dilemma of balancing family
\nwith business needs. A seasoned corporate finance professional
\nwith 20 years experience in multinationals, he is feeling
\nfrustrated by his efforts as CFO to move his company forward.<\/p>\n
When Pak Hario (fictitious), who founded the group of
\ncompanies, passed away, the business was left to be run by his
\nthree sons - Ario, Djodi and Edwin (all fictitious). Their
\nfather's death created a struggle for power among the three
\nbrothers.<\/p>\n
Andy was in a dilemma because of the high emotional content of
\nthe disagreement. This is not surprising apparently. David Bork,
\nwho has extensively researched family businesses, points out very
\ndifferent traits between family and business systems.<\/p>\n
A family system is emotionally focused, looks inward, changes
\nlittle and requires unconditional acceptance. As a professional,
\nAndy, on the other hand, had been trained and experienced in
\nbuilding a business with a focus on facts, outward orientation,
\nconstant change and conditional acceptance. While the tasks of
\nthe business system are to generate profits and develop skills,
\nthose of the family system are concerned with nurturing,
\ndeveloping self-esteem and growing adults.<\/p>\n
In seeking a solution to the issue above, Andy may need to
\nfirst start with how he wants to define his role. Bork talks
\nabout the role of expert advisor, where he would offer the right
\nsolution, and it is assumed that the family will accept it and
\nimplement it. The advisor shares answers but does not teach the
\nfamily members how to find the answers themselves.<\/p>\n
If Andy chose the role of process consultant, he would work
\nwith the family members to develop the skills they need to
\nresolve an issue. When they help a family to understand the
\ndynamics of the system and create their own solutions, they alter
\nthese dynamics. The solutions to the problems tend to be longer
\nlasting. This approach assumes that solutions lie within the
\npower of the group.<\/p>\n
A third role of family systems-informed expert may come into
\nplay if Andy understands the family dynamics that lie behind the
\nbusiness. Although still acting as an expert, familiarity with
\nthe broader systems issues of family business will prompt him to
\nask more questions and seek information from other sources.<\/p>\n
Identifying his goal - and particularly a realistic one - for
\nAndy would be the next step. If Andy feels frustrated in his
\nefforts, it is very likely that he has given himself an
\nunrealistic goal. The ideal goal may be for all family members
\nto love and respect one another and for the business to be
\nenormously profitable. Because of the unlikelihood of reaching
\nthis goal, there must be compromises. Yet Andy can still
\naccomplish a great deal and feel good about it.<\/p>\n
If Andy can reduce conflict to acceptable (but not
\ndestructive) levels, then the business can go forward. He should
\nalso keep in mind that incremental change is evolutionary. It
\ntakes time -- at least two to three years -- but the business
\nwill move forward. What principles come into play? Work with
\nwhole systems. Balance the needs of all stakeholders. Emphasize
\ncommunication. Develop business structures and personal
\nboundaries. Help the family business grow and change as its
\ncomponents evolve. And finally, find opportunities to collaborate
\nwith other professionals.<\/p>\n
In summary, when family conflicts crop up, Andy would
\nsometimes have to broaden his role and engage in new activities
\nto be effective. An ongoing dialogue is, therefore, important in
\norder to enhance Andy's objectivity, skills and resourcefulness
\nas a professional working in a family business.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/working-effectively-for-family-business-requires-ongoing-dialog-1447893297",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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