But father anointed son as president, and Watson Jr. led IBM into the computer age amid the turmoil of generational struggling. Regardless of size or industry, few family enterprises are immune to basic communication problems. I'm afraid the family will split apart if I bring the subject up for discussion. There also are things they don't say. If, for example, Dad never tells a son or daughter that they're potential successors, or if he never gives them any serious responsibility, then he never has to consider sharing power or giving it up.
Entrepreneurs are often noncommunicative to start with.
Many got where they are by playing things close to the vest. But what works for success in business can lead to serious problems in a family and prevent a sound succession process. Family business members often ask if it's possible to talk about highly sensitive issues without seeming pushy or without offending anyone. Unfortunately, there are no guarantees. There's always a chance that someone will be upset when a family member finally generates the courage to say what's on his or her mind.