3 Conversations Every Family Business Must Have
Free sample from the 52 Family Business Conversation Cards
Why These Conversations Matter
Family business succession isn't just about legal documents and financial transfers, it's about the difficult conversations that determine whether a transition succeeds or fails. These three cards represent critical topics where senior leaders and next-generation successors often have vastly different perspectives. Tap each card to reveal frameworks for approaching these conversations from both sides.
"Do you truly want to lead this business, or are you doing this for me?"
Framework for Discussion
Consider: Are you pressuring them into this role? Have you created space for an honest conversation? What happens if they say no? Are you prepared to accept their true answer without guilt or disappointment?
Consider: What do you truly want? Are you being honest with yourself and them? What's driving your interest—passion for the business or family obligation? How will you feel if you choose a different path?
"Are we actually compatible to work together long-term?"
Framework for Discussion
Consider: Do your working styles complement each other? Can you handle daily disagreements? What are your fundamental differences? Are you willing to adapt your approach? Can you separate business conflicts from family relationships?
Consider: Can you work under their leadership style? How do you handle authority? What are your non-negotiables? Are personality differences manageable or dealbreakers? How will you maintain boundaries?
"How do we modernize without losing what makes us special?"
Framework for Discussion
Consider: What makes you special? What is timeless versus outdated? How can you evolve while maintaining core identity? What are you afraid of losing? What could modernization actually improve?
Consider: What do you want to preserve? How does modernization strengthen rather than replace? What is the core identity? How do you honor the past while securing the future? What can you protect?
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The complete deck covers all the critical conversations for family business succession from interest & readiness, roles & territory, and innovation versus tradition, to work-life boundaries, financial expectations & ownership, client relationships, and exit planning & legacy.
52 cards. 52 real questions. Frameworks for both perspectives.
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