YOUR HEALTH
f PERSONALITY differences contribute a lot to business, but they can also lead to misunderstandings during discussions.
Are dictatorships best?
Family business decision making BY RURAL WEST
W
e would never suggest that we knew all the answers to this question, however, we have observed some of the pitfalls of this method. These include: • Grumpy people • Time spent complaining rather than working
• Delays to progress as suppliers are given conflicting messages • Only one family member being happy.
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Amazingly, we find 50-year-old clients that have never found a way to challenge, or interrupt, being directed despite their gaining skills, knowledge, and ideas worth contributing.
Allow time and space for everyone to comment.
• Missing of great ideas
The list goes on…
The key is often that people have become used to a particular style of decision making. Sometimes these are developed when children join the business at a young age and need directive guidance, which does not change over time.
Everyone will approach this in their own way but the idea of resolving this is likely important to gain the input of all parties to maximise the benefit to the business.
There are numerous resources, but our encouragement is always for families to find a way that suits them. This can be done in a useful, constructive, and effective way, maintaining good family relationships.
Across all the ideas there are some common themes. • Personality differences contribute a lot to business, but they can also lead to misunderstandings during discussions. It is worth remembering that to get the best out of people they need to contribute in a way that fits their personality.
Some people like to think things through thoroughly, others are good at generating many ideas. • Awareness of the personalities around you can lead to development of great ideas and outcomes. • Allowing time and space for everyone to comment and requesting comment from them. • Being able to clarify what has been said before moving on to ensure understanding. Often, we have found people’s words and intentions are perceived differently to how they are intended. It is surprising that some of our work is simply allowing this
