The patriarch of a successful family business was embroiled in a fight with his son—his successor—which had nothing to do about the business. On multiple occasions, the father reached out to the non-family CEO, asking him to intervene. The CEO refused to engage. This is just one example of the politics in family businesses that non-family executives need to know how to navigate.
Family-owned businesses can be highly political. When navigating a family-owned business, it’s best to think of it like a home. There are different “rooms” within the home where discussions should be held. For example, there’s an owner’s room, the family room, the management room, and so forth.
If a non-family executive is to thrive, they must recognize the existence of these rooms. And then take a firm, but respectable stance on separating the business and family.
For five additional tips on navigating politics in a family business as a non-family executive, read this article.
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