CONFLICT RESOLUTION

For many conflict may be a dirty word. It can be painful and if left unaddressed can fester and take on a life of its own. Family businesses face the normal challenge of balancing the needs of the family and the needs of the business which create natural tension points.

The objective is to discontinue destructive patterns which can be active or passive. Active conflict is typically argumentative in nature where people force their position and may attempt to win at all costs. In passive conflict people avoid or ignore topics and the family feels like they are getting stuck. Both are forms of destructive problem solving.

When families work through their differences and address conflict productively it builds trust and strengthens the relationship. Unmanaged conflict is the real issue.  It can destroy relationships and businesses. If you are concerned about rising tensions or damaging relationships, we can help you create a foundation for constructive conflict. 

• Understand why family business conflict is built into the system
• Evaluate each family members natural conflict style 
• Understand the impact of the family's conflict and communication patterns 
• Identify trigger points and sources of tension 
• Establish a conflict management process & agreement 
• Actively work through areas of tension and historical impasses