Family business meetings can be tricky!
You’re not just sitting down with colleagues, but with people you love and have long-standing relationships with.
So, how do you make sure those meetings are productive and don’t veer off track?
Here are some thoughts to help you.
Let’s start here…
Why Are Family Business Meetings So Tough?
Family meetings can be hard because, well, you’re family! You have relationships that go way beyond the business. Hopefully you not only love each other, but also have a sincere fondness for one another.
It’s also really easy for those personal dynamics to sneak into the room, regardless of whether you want them to. Maybe you’re still seen as “the kid” or “the parent,” even though you’re in a business setting and have grown into different roles.
On top of this, family members often have different goals.
Everyone’s at a different stage in life, so their priorities aren’t always going to perfectly line up.
Add in the fact that we’re sometimes scared to say how we really feel, and it’s no wonder these meetings can get complicated.
Sometimes we’re so busy trying to live up to expectations that we can lose sight of what we need.
Here are some tips to help you prepare and get the most out of your family business meetings:
- Be clear on goals
- Do your homework
- Communicate intentionally
- Get answers to your questions
- Be consistent outside of meetings
- Listen – really listen
- Ask for feedback
- Have the tough conversations
Now let’s take a closer look at how each of these steps can improve the quality of your meetings.
Be Clear on Goals
First things first – you need to get clear on what your meeting goal is. What are you trying to figure out? What decisions need to be made?
Articulating this from the beginning will help you stay focused.
Without a clear purpose, it’s easy for your meeting to drift off course.
Don’t let meetings be casual just because you’re family. Set an agenda, define your purpose and stick to it.
Treat the meeting with the same seriousness you would if non-family members were involved.
Do Your Homework
Preparation is key for any successful meeting.
Before you start, take some time to think about how you want it to go. What do you need to know by the time you leave? Jot it all down.
This way, you’ll be sure the meeting works for you, plus everyone else.
Communicate Intentionally
Good communication isn’t one-size-fits-all.
Carefully think about how to best communicate with each person at the table. Maybe you know someone needs details to get on board, while someone else needs to hear the big picture first.
Tailor your approach so you’re heard.
If you really want to take it to the next level, try using behavioral assessments to sharpen your skills.
Here’s another tip: Don’t depend only on meetings to communicate. If meetings are the only time you’re talking to each other, they’re probably going to be chaotic. Regular communication outside of these formal gatherings can help keep things running smoothly.
Get Answers to Your Questions
Don’t leave a meeting with unresolved questions!
If you need clarification, make sure you get answers before you wrap up.
Have your questions ready before you even sit down so you can steer the conversation where it needs to go.
Be Consistent Outside of Meetings
If you say one thing in a meeting and do something completely different afterward, that’s going to erode trust.
Make sure your actions line up with what you’re saying, or you’ll create even more complications.
Listen – Really Listen
Sometimes, the best thing you can do is just listen.
Give everyone a chance to share their thoughts without jumping in with your own opinion right away.
You might be surprised by what you learn when you take a step back.
Ask for Feedback
Want to get better at family business meetings? Ask for feedback.
Find out what you’re doing well and where you can improve.
It may hurt in the short term, but it will make your meetings more productive in the long run.
Have the Tough Conversations
Avoiding difficult topics usually feels easier in the short term, but it will only hold you back.
Don’t shy away from having tough conversations when you need to.
Be honest and up front about what you need to address, and you’ll move forward a lot more effectively.
Running family business meetings isn’t always easy.
You have to balance personal relationships with professional goals, and that’s no small feat.
But with clear communication, proper preparation, and a willingness to tackle tough issues, you can make these meetings more productive – and less stressful for everyone involved.
If you need support, reach out to us. We specialize in helping family-owned businesses and can guide you through some of these tricky dynamics. We’re here to help.