Immunize Business Owning Family– “where others walk, you must run”

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By Peter Ouma Institute For Family Business (IFFB)

It was a sunny sunday afternoon after having dani [grandmother] style lunch. A meal of various traditional vegetables, and braised goat meat prepared by mama [who always supervised the preparation of dani meals] assisted by my sisters in oigla [clay pots]. And served with Ugali made from cassava and wimbi flour. And cooked to a stiff and firm consistency. The natural flavours! Sigh!

It was our family tradition, as kids we looked forward to the Sunday dani style meals, and mystery breaking occasions - when Aburu [as people fondly called my father] told us stories - and my older siblings shared their experiences and gained insights. I recall one specific occasion. However, bear with me, because I only vaguely recall the comment by Mark, my brother, which triggered this particular story. Baba concluded the story by adding that his grandfather too, had once told him the same story, as did the father to his grandfather in turn tell his children – it was the family transmission of values. In the story baba had said “Give the world the best you have, and the best will come back to you.” “And where others walk, you must run!”

Today, as I recall this story, a particular family-business story came to mind. A friend of mine, a daughter in a second-generation family business was increasingly frustrated by his fathers’ strong-minded control and by his siblings’ [sons] apparent apathy. She saw that rather than giving their best, her siblings were showing up for work daily, but purposefully only “treading water” until they were able to take control of the business. In their family, she says, it was believed the sons inherited from the parents.

My friend had once left the business and was about to again because she was unable to give her best within the confines of the family situation.

Whereas this complex situation might well benefit from more refined intervention. However, my purpose in sharing this, is to draw awareness to the lost potential – often witnessed – in family owned businesses. When family members are not raised in a culture of giving their best in whatever role life asks of them.

I wish to interest you, in asking the crucial question “what are we doing today that will create an enduring legacy and heritage for our family enterprise?” It is important [for the survival of the family-owned enterprise] to undertake a structured and deliberate effort to engage succeeding generations in managing the family business. Because when it’s time to step into responsible roles, this will enable them serve the family and the business well and far into the future!

If you desire to have a conversation about the journey of your family business, contact us at Institute For Family Business (IFFB) we can help your family business survive and thrive Contact us at [email protected]. To talk call +(254)732 998 655 or +(254)722 259 855.

Peter Ouma Muga – A trainer and accomplished writer on family business management issues, with over 18 years’ experience in family and blue-chip multinational consultancy firms and companies. He possesses an MA Psychology specializing in Organizational Behaviour, and heads human capital at Institute For Family Business (IFFB).