www.challengesinc.com                                                                        May | 2010    

"Six behaviors that maintain the peace"

"First keep the peace within yourself, then you can also bring peace to others."
– Thomas Kemper (1380 – 1471)

Conflict between family members in a family business is viewed by many as a normal part of the family business structure. Peace in most family businesses is seen as a goal that will most likely never be achieved. I was told by a wise person that if everyone loved their job 75% of the time they would be at about perfection. 25% of the job will always be a pain and contain duties that we will never enjoy doing. So maybe the answer is finding a way to have peace in the family business at least 75% of the time and then effectively dealing with the other 25% as they occur.

The first priority to address is how to have peace at least 75% of the time. The truth is that virtually all family members of family businesses can achieve "family peace" at least 75% of the time by practicing just interactive behaviors. Below are listed six strategies that, when practiced, will go a long way to achieving a family business that is filled with a peace that will be sought after by all those you come in contact with.

1. As the song says – "let it begin with me" - Waiting for someone else to make the peace is a waste of time. Most of us have our pride and an over stimulated ego that will not allow us to be the first to "break the ice." Only you, us, ME can bring on the peace. Why should it be us? The better question is, "Why not?"

2. Have a loving atmosphere at home and at the business. When the home and work environment begins and ends with love, disagreements that arise deal with current situations only. Past situations have been resolved will not be readdressed.

3. Forgiveness is complete. Accepting forgiveness is a vital part of this equation as well. Forgiving others includes letting go of the need to "get back" at another that we think has wronged us.

4. Appreciation for one another is not a secret. Family members tell each other how thankful they are for the contribution each family member has made to the success of the family business. What does your family do most of? Appreciate or blame?

5. Scheduled time is spent with family members making it a priority to get to know one another as adults. Building an adult relationship will allow for lasting peace in the family. Keeping the immature relationships we had as children will always keep the "battles" brewing and will never allow for a lasting peace.

6. Identify what "Good of the Family" means for your family and then incorporate this meaning in all family interactions, business decisions as well as relationships with customers, vendors, and all you do business with.

"Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me" is the first line in an old song that has us focus on ourselves when dealing with others. Living just this one line by incorporating the six strategies mentioned above will strengthen the family and the business and truly allow an internal peace that will be shared.

Contact us and we can help you incorporate this type of peace in your family business. We know we can help.
ann@challengesinc.com, sboros@zoominternet.net all in Pennsylvania and LaurenOwen427@gmail.com in Seattle, WA
Check our web site at www.challengesinc.com related articles and to order our book "Roadmap to Success" that incorporates success
strategies in all aspects of your life.

We have FREE WEBINARS on the Second Tuesday of each month. Go to our web site for more information www.challengesinc.com or register for our next program by clicking below.

The Partnership Pre-Nup (Even for a Family Business)

Join us for a Webinar on May 11

"Why your business absolutely must have a good buy-sell agreement."

If you’re like the majority of business owners, your company either doesn’t have a buy sell agreement or it has one that does not protect you (or other family owners) in the event of a partnership break up, death, or disability. That’s a bit scary, considering what’s at stake here. The cost of dealing with a family business that’s gone bad without a good buy-sell can be significant. Without a good buy-sell in place, you could be in jeopardy of losing a lot of your hard-earned dollars and your place as part of the family legacy.

We will show you how to minimize that risk.

Title: The Partnership Pre-Nup (Even for a Family Business)

Date: Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Time: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM EDT

After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Webinar. Space is limited.

Reserve your Webinar seat now at: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/182220217