outranking them. 



High benefits, high challenges, hard work and 

 great fun are the different aspects of a family business. 

 Meeting the challenges and having fun together after 

 hard work is very rewarding. People and businesses 

 change over time, and new challenges are just around 

 the comer. But different generations working and 

 growing together, is a way of life. 



Clarifying Interests 



Sometimes family and business issues get mixed 

 up, and ongoing misunderstandings have led to deep 

 wounds that prohibit the family and the business from 

 prospering. In these cases, an outside mediator can 

 support the family. If the main issues are related to the 

 business, a consultant might be the best choice. But 

 where the problem exactly lies is hardly visible to 

 those involved when the tensions are high. A close 

 friend or business associate may be able to help you in 

 sorting out the issues and deciding how to proceed. 



The use of some management tools can prevent 

 unnecessary tension by spelling out the position that 

 everybody is in. 



Each person involved can live up to his or her 

 potential and develop his or her role, in the business, in 

 the family or as an owner, more easily once the 

 situation is clarified. 



Interests coming from the different perspectives 

 will be obvious to anyone involved. Developingjoint 

 decisions will become less painful. Solutions can be 

 found more easily. Possible conflicts may even be 

 avoided. Clarifying where everybody stands will 

 contribute to smoother relationships and better 

 business decisions. 



Reading tips: Gersick, K.E. Davis J. A. Hampton, M. 

 M. Lansberg, I.. (1997): Generations to Gemations: 

 Life Cycles of the Family Business. Harvard Business 

 School Press, Boston (Massachusetts) ISBN 0-87584- 

 555-X 



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Fruit Notes, Volume 66, 2001 



49 



