Blog
A Year in Review
Part of my holiday tradition is to send out a letter reflecting on the past year. I am sharing my letter for 2020 below, as it reflects many of the themes I have addressed in my writing over the past few months. During 2020, we have all faced unprecedented headwinds. How can we be an optimist – let alone find a way to adjust our sails?
The Leader Adjusts the Sails
The headlines lately have been dominated by political news and pandemic updates. With so much uncertainty, it can be difficult to look into the end of this year and the beginning of the next with optimism. Just remember Kanter’s Law: Everything looks like a failure in the middle. External circumstances being what…
The Importance of Founding Principles and Values
Family businesses have unique cultures. Multigenerational family businesses continue to thrive because they remain focused on the principles and values that define those unique cultures. These values may include innovation, work ethic, strong customer and supplier relationships, and dedication to associates.
COVID-19 is the Litmus Test for Sustainable Multigenerational Success
As we continue to confront the COVID-19 crisis, family business owners are being called on to guide their businesses through the crisis. Family members who work directly in the business will feel this imperative most strongly, though, in reality, it is the responsibility…
Innovation in Times of Crisis
We are seven months into the COVID-19 crisis, and this pandemic is causing havoc in both the major loss of lives and the disruption of economies around the world. Every week brings new challenges as we try to adapt to our “new normal.” However, as time goes on, it has also become apparent that the pandemic…
Treating Human Capital as an Investment in Times of Crisis
In these deeply uncertain times, rely on your iterative strategic planning process to guide you. Remember: the planning process is more important than the plan itself. Ask yourself: What is your future business model? How will the crisis affect that model in the short and long term?