“I Have a Lot of Money” — There’s No *Not* Awkward Way to Say It
Wellth Works
Wellth Works provides leadership training and coaching for rising leaders in family offices and businesses.
Here’s the truth — your clients that are a part of the 1% know they’re different. Speaking freely with?non-inheritors can make them feel awkward, distant, alienated.?
Why??
Because it’s uncomfortable, isn’t it? Approaching a friend, or colleague and saying:??
“I’ve been going through some challenges since inheriting my parents' wealth. I can’t seem to find clarity around my next steps or goals,”
to be met with a response of:?
“With all of the money you have, how could you even call that a problem?”
As coaches who work with inheritors of generational wealth, we know that money makes people uncomfortable. The person with it, the advisor to it, and the people seeing it.?
And conversations around wealth? Forget it. They typically run the risk of —
There’s no not awkward way to say: “I have a lot of money.” But is there a way to help inheritors find comfort in the amount of wealth and responsibility they have? Is there a way to help them approach these conversations around the topic of affluence without offense?
With a few simple mindset and communication shifts, we believe the answer is yes. Here are our pointers for the 1% navigating relationships and conversations with non-inheritors:?
Do: Ask if they’d be comfortable discussing the topic of wealth and offering advice.
Example: “I’ve been going through some challenges related to my inheritance, purpose, and goals. Would you mind listening and offering feedback?”
Don’t: Assume that others will be comfortable talking about challenges related to wealth.?
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Example: “I’ve been going through some challenges related to my inheritance that I need your advice on.”
Do: Use language to help a non-inheritor feel respected.?
Example: “I’ve always admired your approach to life — how would you confront this challenge?”
Don’t: Alienate the non-inheritor or point out a perceived weakness.
Example: “As someone without wealth — how would you confront this challenge?”?
Do: Have an open mind when approaching the conversation of wealth with a non-inheritor.?
Example: “Wow, I never considered that approach to my challenge. Can you expand on how you came to that?”
Don’t: Make a non-inheritor feel like their advice is irrelevant.
Example: “I hear what you’re saying, but as someone who hasn’t inherited wealth, you just don’t get it.”
With a simple shift in language and approach, we can help inheritors find comfort confiding in others and opening up about their experience.?
This benefits everyone, because talking about money shouldn’t be awkward — for anyone.?
What’s your experience with conversations around wealth? Have you helped clients navigate relationships with non-inheritors in an intentional and supportive way??
Drop your thoughts in the comments below.