Family Leadership Strategies

30 Some choose formal annual meetings at which time transition plans are discussed, while others embrace informal (but planned) conversations with small groups. Regardless of approach, a strategy for communication should be an essential element of transition planning. Self-awareness Self-awareness is essential in any leadership role. Psychologists typically define self-awareness in terms of ‘inner directed’ and ‘outer directed’ awareness of one’s self. The ability to be introspective and to comprehend how we are perceived by others, as well as, how we truly view our own character, emotions, and motives is fundamental to effective leadership. In the context of family leadership, possessing an objective and dispassionate understanding of how one is perceived within the family is crucial for those assuming any family leadership role. Paradoxically, we are often more alert to how others perceive us in business and social settings, but demonstrate a poor understanding of how family members assess our skills, personality traits, or emotional intelligence. Why? Loved ones are either loathe to be open and honest with a child or family member, or struggle to convey feedback in a constructive manner. Similarly, children, even adult children, tend to heavily discount feedback, advice, or even criticism that comes from a parent or family member. Nonetheless, siblings or parents possess a keen understanding of the character, strengths, and weaknesses of family members. How then do we ‘unlock’ this information in a way that is constructive to those desiring to become leaders? Fundamental to any communication process, is trust. The recipient and the giver both need to have an implicit understanding that feedback is desired and that words shared will be sincere and without untoward motivation. If such a bond of trust is not present, the participants need to reach that understanding through dialogue or third-party intervention. Without trust, the process will very likely yield no results, or worse, poor results. There are two approaches that can be taken: formal or informal. In either case, they may be used alone or together and should be tailored to what is most comfortable for the participants and family. In leadership development, feedback may be legitimately asked for by candidates, or provided by parents