How to really know a business family.

One of my summer-time reading books was: "How to Know a Person" by David Brooks. I am early in the book, but I've had several insights that question how I show up to genuinely see and hear others. The tweaks to my habits will be game-changing in how I serve family enterprises, and show up to my family and friends. Below is just one example.

"Wellbeing depends less on objective events than on how those events are perceived, dealt with and shared with others".

I try to make an intentional personal connection with EACH family member in a family business and include them in a one-on-one interview. Now I really understand why ...

Though we might know the details of certain defining moments from the past that impacted the family relationships, each member will have:

1. A unique way it is perceived, interpreted and made meaningful
2. Differing mindset changes

A mindset is a worldview and pattern of how we see and show up in the the world. Defining moments transform these - for the better or worse.

If we truly want to know someone, we need to be curious about the defining moments and take time to understand their individual and collective impacts to the family.

If those serving family enterprises take shortcuts and only interview select members, they will miss important insights that may negatively impact future planning.

Let's commit to not doing this and be curious and inclusive when planning your discovery process.