WITH THE FAMILY BUSINESS
Every family business comes to a point in its life when it becomes necessary for the current generation to find a successor due to age, health or other interests. It is a well known fact that passing the torch to the next generation in the family does not always lead to the most successful continuation of the business, especially with regards to the third and further generations. Usually, firstly, because the later generations have not invested their own blood, sweat and tears into creating and growing the business, and secondly, because each successive generation has grown up sheltered from the reality of the business and industry in general.
In witnessing successes with the third generation and beyond, it is often because the newer generation received an appropriate education and then worked in the real world for a few years before coming home to the family business. Another positive indicator is when the older generation agreed to a fixed period of mentoring before they would step down and lived up to the agreement. When these factors don’t happen it can lead to business disaster and personal tragedy.
To read the remainder of the article, click here.
