Family Councils

Overview

The study of family businesses reveals key characteristics that are needed for success. One important characteristic is the family's ability to communicate and the regularity with which they do so.

There are myriad issues in any family business that can create destructive chasms if left unconfronted. A few of these issues involve ownership, succession, compensation, estate planning, in-laws, divorce, strategic planning, sibling rivalry, non-family managers and performance management. Communication is the prerequisite skill for handling these issues and the personal and business stress they create.

The Family Council is a facilitated forum for building and maintaining good com-munication. It helps the family tackle issues from a preventive, visionary approach and not a reactive, crisis management position. Over time, family members learn the facilitation skills required to conduct Family Councils for years to come.

How it Works

The first step is to meet with family members to ascertain the needs of individuals, family and the business. After these needs are determined, we develop an agenda for the first Family Council. Topics may include issues such as:

family values

business strategy

succession planning

conflict resolution

With the family gathered, the psycholo-gist begins working through the agenda and facilitating productive, healthy communication. Activities, role plays and candid discussions combine to make the experience enlightening.

The family learns to listen and respect one another. Consequently, they avoid the traps of blame, control and the general dysfunctional patterns that prevent family harmony and sound business decisions.

Benefits

As regular family councils are held, family members begin to:

learn and apply constructive communication skills

discuss difficult issues in a healthy forum

confront family issues openly to prevent unhealthy festering

inform non-working family members of important business information

encourage individuality and creativity

put fun back into the family business

Find Out More

For further information, send e-mail to Valutis@valutisconsulting.com or call us at 716-634-2553:

     Dr. Wm. (Chip) Valutis
     Dr. Marsha James-Valutis
     Dr. Ernest Valutis

5350 Main Street, Suite 7
Williamsville, NY 14221-5338
Phone: 716.634.2553 Fax: 716.634.2554
Valutis@valutisconsulting.com