Working in a family business
Saturday, February 28th, 2009Family farm businesses, just as any family business involves a plethora of things. One crucial part being careful planning. Therefor one needs to create a harmonious balance between family as well as business function. Family farming is a tradition which has been here since the dawn of man. Many families hope to pass on their traditions, family operations, history, and property, to their loved ones.
To work together successfully, all parties need to fully comprehend and generate a working environment which is focused on the business. When families and business are consolidated what happens? Will differences of opinion destroy chances of success and family harmony?
First and foremost someone needs to be delegated the position of manager. Someone who has a head for business and knowledge of what the initial hopes of all family members are. Another area which needs to be completely evaluated, is the need to establish exactly what the farming business is truly for. To provide employment for family members, or to capitalize on the monetary gains?
Numerous farming families actually apply the ‘Tagiuri Davis three-circle model’ way of running their business. This assists families in developing strategies to deal with the numerous challenges they shall face working together. This covers good communication skills which are vital for success. Families need to articulate exactly what they feel is important to the business.
Commonsense will tell you that to underestimate what each family member feels is important, will have everyone working separately rather than together. Thus everyone’s goals, expectations, objectives, and desires, will certainly differ. Each and every family member needs to analyze what is important to them and the business.
One family member may suggest major changes, changing the farm from a basic diary to an agriculture business, a tourist attraction with pony rides, hay rides, camping cook-outs and so forth. These family members should not be ignored, their input may be crucial to retaining financial success. The pros and cons of each suggestion needs to be carefully weighed. Family dynamics definitely should come into play.
Tagiuri & Davis stated that there are three kinds of business issues one faces, these are management, ownership, and family. Non family businesses are independent, whilst within the family business, these crucial points are significant links which affect the business operations.
Within a business great challenges often arise, one needs to categorize these. Are they due to family/personal issues or the business? Depending on the answer these will need to be rectified differently. Family members within a business need to utilize equality and clear understanding that all members have the same goal, success! Work as a team, thrive for excellence, be competitive, hard working, in hope of gaining profitable returns.
Emotional family issues need resolving immediately, or the ruination of the family business will be rapid. The family needs to have group discussions/a set of strategies which separates business from family woes. Discuss professionalism, marketing, business goals, objectives and so forth. Remember to recognize family member’s individualism, personality traits.
Deal with conflicts immediately, work on family member’s communication skills, gain outside advise as well. Research successful family farming and useful tips.Listen to each creative idea family members put forth. Often simple alterations can be implemented which see a family business lift its head from the poverty line, to experience a boom in trade.