Develop Healthy Family Dynamics in a Family Enterprise
You don't come from a typical family. Not only are you affluent, but your family spans multiple generations. Being a part of a family enterprise is hard on its own and can feel impossible to forge healthy dynamics. When you add in generational gaps and a blended family, the differences between each other can feel insurmountable.
It may feel impossible that you could ever bridge the gaps between you and your family, but it can be done. You may all have different viewpoints on how your family business should be run. This can cause tension and turmoil between family members. If you are struggling to maintain relationships in your family, here are three ways you can help improve the dynamics of your family.
Recognize That You Are More Than The Family Business
One of the most important aspects of creating healthier connections within your family is to understand that you are more than the family business. It can be difficult to understand this because so much of who you are is tied to your family enterprise. And all too often, the strongest ties you have to your family is the business itself.
Adding in the age gaps and a blended family can make it seem as if you have nothing in common. It is likely that there is constant conflict between how each of you thinks the business needs to be run. Maybe the older generations are content with how things are and don't see the point in changing. The younger generations may want to take the company in a different direction. Oftentimes, this leads to tension and conflict between family members, which can affect your relationship outside of the business.
You can help the dynamics of your family by trying to separate yourselves from it. You can strengthen your bonds (and in return, the family business) by finding common ground with each other and what you like outside of work. The positive improvement of your personal relationships will help you handle issues with the family business more gracefully.
You Have More In Common Than You Think
Regardless of what makes you a blended family or the generational gaps, you likely have more similar interests than you believe. With so much of your lives tied into running the family enterprise, you may not spend a lot of time together outside of work.
To help create a stronger family dynamic, you can begin by bonding over what you like to do outside of work. Maybe that is watching sports, reading books, or even fishing. When you aren't at work, what are you doing? Likely, you'll find common ground with the people in your family that you didn't realize you had before.
You may feel as if you are an island floating by yourself. At times, it can be hard to separate who you are — and who your family is — outside of the business. While that may be your strongest connection right now, you can develop healthier family dynamics by seeing each other's true personalities.
Your Differences Are Your Strengths
Each of you brings a unique perspective on running the family business. If every member of the family thought the same way, your enterprise would never grow or transform.
It's okay to have differences in opinions. You don't have to agree on every little thing. If there are is too much tension surrounding a decision, it's okay to agree to disagree. Sometimes, this can help improve the dynamics of the family. You may not be able to avoid the subject forever, but it may help you come to a middle ground that everyone can be happy with.
Understand that the real strength of your family is the fact that you are a blended, non-traditional family. You may come from different generations, marriages, and more, but that doesn't mean it should divide you.
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If you are struggling to create a healthy family dynamic, please reach out to me so I can help you navigate the challenges that come from your unique family situation.