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Does It Have to Be ‘Shirtsleeves-to-Shirtsleeves?’

By Cindy Radu
Published: February 25, 2019 | Last updated: February 26, 2019
Key Takeaways

Owners who are reluctant to address succession planning may become the unwitting obstacle to the preservation and future growth of the business they worked so hard to create.

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The world over, in virtually every culture, there are such truisms as “from rags to riches to rags,” “wealth doesn’t pass three generations” and “from the barn stalls to the stars back to barn stalls!” If you head up a family enterprise, you are likely all-too-aware of the statistics around the survival rates of those wanting continuity and prosperity through the next generation. Less than one-third make it through the second generation, one in 10 make it through the third and a mere three percent to the fourth generation of owners.

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Family Enterprise Owners' Reasons for No Succession Plan

While you contemplate the future of privately owned and family controlled enterprises just like your own, you may ask yourself, “Why do so many family enterprises fail to plan effectively for business succession, transition and continuity?” Read on, as you may well recognize someone you know.

1. I have to do it all. Business owners have strong personalities. They find it difficult to give up control or even to delegate key responsibilities. The business owner may be performing several important business functions that could be delegated. In our experience, the owner is just too busy and planning for the future is relegated to the back burner to sit and simmer. An effective succession plan will allow others to gradually assume responsibility and to become future leaders. Delegating such important roles and tasks may feel threatening to the business owner, making it difficult to hire, coach and mentor successors. These entrepreneurs are both arsonist and fireman!

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2. I don’t like changes I can’t control. Change in an owner’s leadership role may impact the owner’s perceived stature in the community and the organization as well as with customers, suppliers and other stakeholders. Change is often resisted because the owner will not accept doing anything differently. The owner’s identity and that of the business are one and the same. The result is inertia.

3. I am invincible! Really, I am. Business owners often consider themselves immortal and view discussions regarding succession, transition and retirement as premature regardless of their age and the ages of the rising generation. The reality is that you are not invincible.

4. My spouse and I don’t want a lesser lifestyle. We’ve worked hard and long to earn our perks. Private company owners often reinvest profits in their business. Much of their net worth and family income is directly tied to the business. The owner is dependent on their operating company to maintain lifestyle. This dependency can put that very livelihood and that of their family at risk.

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5. I avoid and delay because I don’t want any fighting. Owners are reluctant to make difficult decisions regarding the selection of capable future leaders. Grooming and choosing successors may create conflict. So, the owner avoids the decision altogether rather than taking on the responsibility to ensure a thriving future. This avoidance often has the unintended consequence of causing one or more family members or key employees to leave the business. Sadly, the ones who leave may well be most qualified to lead the business into the future.

6. I need to treat all my children equally. The concept of dividing one’s assets equally among children often conflicts with the idea of distributing assets fairly. It may feel like the right thing to do and may also be what the children are expecting. But such an approach seldom provides an ownership structure that allows the business to prosper. The business may fail and the company, as well as the family’s livelihood, will be at risk.

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Avoid Becoming the Obstacle

Each of these profiles present very real challenges for business families. Owners who are reluctant to address succession, inheritance and estate issues may become the unwitting obstacle to the preservation and future growth of the social, intellectual, human and financial capital they worked so hard to create and nurture. The result is broken communication, rivalry, unmanaged conflict, lost wealth and so much more. Be aware of your key issues. Ask yourself:

  • Is the status quo acceptable?
  • What is my vision of the future? Does my family share my vision?
  • How am I doing?
  • Is there a gap?
  • What is that gap costing me, our business and our family?

And know this: Fear and uncertainty cause procrastination and inertia.

Recruit an Advisor and Make a Plan

There is help if you truly want to create choices and have impact over the future of your family enterprise. Trusted professional advisors will work with you to create an integrated plan and build the skills that will greatly increase the likelihood your family enterprise not only survives, but thrives through the next generation.

This article was written in collaboration with Jeff Noble, director of business transitions services in the BDO Special Advisory Services Group. A highly trusted advisor with many years of facilitation and coaching experience, he helps business families, private companies and leading not-for-profit organizations effectively deal with the transition from one stage of their business life cycle to the next.

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Written by Cindy Radu

Cindy Radu
As a designated Family Enterprise Advisor, Cindy helps individuals, family enterprises, business owners and family offices navigate the complexities and opportunities that come with wealth. Cindy draws on over 25 years of legal, fiduciary, trust and governance experience in professional services firms, financial institutions and family offices in her practice. She uses her skills to provide an objective perspective and facilitate understanding of how complex family, business and ownership structures can impact family dynamics and family wealth continuity.

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