Publications
Publications
- January 15, 2015
- Harvard Business Review (website)
Surviving in a Family Business When You're Not Part of the Family
By: Josh Baron and Rob Lachenauer
Abstract
Navigating office politics in a family-owned business can be challenging for non-family executives. Based on experience with various business families worldwide, this article offers strategies for success:
Play in your room: Non-family executives should understand the separation between the management room and the family room, as family members hold power in the latter.
Be discreet and competent: Maintain confidences and demonstrate competence, as non-family executives often possess privileged information.
Avoid proxy wars: Refrain from aligning with one family member or branch to prevent being drawn into family disputes.
Give credit and invoke family pride: Divert credit to family members and remind them of their family's greatness to foster loyalty and harmony.
Use impartial outsiders: Encourage 360-degree reviews and independent feedback mechanisms to maintain objectivity.
Know your genetic limits: Recognize that family members may have a clear path to leadership positions, and plan your career accordingly.
Play in your room: Non-family executives should understand the separation between the management room and the family room, as family members hold power in the latter.
Be discreet and competent: Maintain confidences and demonstrate competence, as non-family executives often possess privileged information.
Avoid proxy wars: Refrain from aligning with one family member or branch to prevent being drawn into family disputes.
Give credit and invoke family pride: Divert credit to family members and remind them of their family's greatness to foster loyalty and harmony.
Use impartial outsiders: Encourage 360-degree reviews and independent feedback mechanisms to maintain objectivity.
Know your genetic limits: Recognize that family members may have a clear path to leadership positions, and plan your career accordingly.
Keywords
Family Business; Family and Family Relationships; Employees; Problems and Challenges; Talent and Talent Management
Citation
Baron, Josh, and Rob Lachenauer. "Surviving in a Family Business When You're Not Part of the Family." Harvard Business Review (website) (January 15, 2015).