For some successors and other family members, the relaxed atmosphere of working with family provides welcome space to be themselves. For others, it frustratingly turns work/life balance into a hopeless illusion.

Just imagine a smooth succession transition where the outgoing owner feels confident in the abilities of the successor to make the relevant change with the full support of key employees. Learn how.

With each increasing stage of maturity, the leader's span of control expands. The inability of the leader to properly maintain control of the span of control either directly or indirectly, could lead the family business to fail.

Outgoing owners must agree with their successors on a well-defined transition plan and timeline for their departure as part of the transition plan.

“Leave your home problems at home” is sound advice, but it ultimately points to an ideal few of us will ever achieve. With this in mind, every business owner must take intentional steps to practically keep home and office in their respective places.

Succession transitions are not jut about handing the keys over to a successor. Outgoing owners have a role to play in preparing the incoming successor for success in the role by providing the following four things...

Multiple qualified individuals primed to take over the company should be the source of great encouragement. It takes a balance of communication and planning to avoid jealousy or in-fighting.

In some cases, successors will reject your offer and the company altogether. In those scenarios, it’s crucial that owners understand the employee’s perspective and take appropriate corrective action if necessary.

A successor may not always jump at the opportunity to carry on the legacy of the business. When a successor declines the offer to own or manage the business, understanding their motivations is key to finding a solution that benefits all parties and the business.

By the second or third generation or in high-performing businesses, the issue often isn’t a lack of successor candidates, but an abundance. If it isn’t handled with care, chaos could ensue. The selection should be handled with early and frequent communication.

In a business, bringing in an external successor could create its own set of challenges. However, external successors could provide a functional bridge for the business and should be treated as an opportunity to strengthen the company.

An owner may need to release a family member from the business. Firing family is a tough decision needs to be communicated with tact and without ambiguity to preserve both the family and business relationship.