The Exponential Magic of Family Collaboration

At some point it becomes important for every business family to think about a future when the current controlling generation will no longer be in charge, and to take steps to get organized, as a family to take the reins.

Even if the business transitions have already begun, it’s usually the family issues that’ll cause bigger future problems.

When someone from a family begins to be concerned, I always ask them who else might be motivated to act now.

If they have a sibling who’s also convinced that it’s time to act, their help should be welcomed into the efforts.

And if a member of another generation thinks it’s time to act, that person could also be useful to the efforts.

I’ve got a math analogy on this point I’d like to share.

Let’s say that a single person can have an effect with a factor of 1, I believe that by working together, two people can have an exponential effect, of 2 times 2, which is 4 compared to 1.

Okay, I don’t have any scientific proof of this theory, but think about it for a sec. Imagine a family with 15 adult members spread over 3 generations.

I believe that the force 2 people can have, working together, to make suggestions, to start to make changes, and to initiate discussions, will have MUCH better results than any one person could hope for.

And now, what if the first two could convince another family member to join them in their cause, imagine how their chance of success would rise.

I think we can assume that it’s exponential too, and 3 times 3 is now 9.

People often hesitate when they see the obstacles as being bigger than the benefits.

But by banding together, the motivated family members give themselves a much better chance of success in overcoming those obstacles, and to create momentum.

Start with a small group, and grow slowly

Of course you can NEVER force anyone to join you but grow slowly and start making progress together.

Here’s my challenge.

Do you have the courage to get started, and to start generating momentum to get unstuck?

Good luck!

That’s it for now, see you next time.