In our last blog post in this series, we looked at ways to help heal unhealthy family dynamics. While healing is very important, it is also important for families in business to incorporate their strengths into their business. In families, healthy dynamics are often related to a family’s biggest strengths. In this blog post, we will look at how to find your family’s strengths and tips for leveraging them in the family business.
To spot your family’s strengths, asking family members questions like the ones listed below can be helpful:
- What does our family do well?
- What do you like about our family?
- What does our family seem to do an exceptional job at, even more so than other families?
- What do the members of our family have in common?
- What is our family known for?
List the family’s top three strengths based on the answers to these questions. Throughout the process, remember that there is no “right” way to answer; every family will have different areas of strength.
After you have uncovered your family’s top three strengths, consider how those strengths could positively impact the family business. Here are some thoughts to help you get started:
- Think about how your family’s strengths can contribute to your organization’s mission, vision, and/or values.
- Think about how these strengths can be practically applied in the company. For example, if your family is strong at connecting with others, ask yourself how this company is known for connection. Then, look at how to emphasize connection internally and externally. This might mean that the company is known for exceptional customer service.
- Make time regularly to step back and evaluate where most of the family’s effort and time is spent so that the family can ensure they are staying within their “strike zone.” If the strength is connecting, hiring non-family members exceptional at roles where connecting isn’t primary may be helpful.
Empower family members to use their strengths within the company individually. Encourage family members where you see them excelling. Consider offering additional training & learning opportunities to grow those strengths to mastery.
To return to the first post in our series, click here, or view the second post here and the third post here.
Chew On This
What is your family known for?
