Employee family members grow weary of the second-guessing and questioning about dividends. In the end it becomes easier to sell and be rid of the hassles than to keep fighting with people who don't work in and cannot understand the business. The common thread running through all five of the most commonly given reasons for failure is a lack of planning. Most family business owners think of themselves as supermen or superwomen. Nothing is ever going to happen to them.
Perception becomes reality.
If they believe nothing will happen to them for long enough it will be truth. Wanting to avoid unpleasant subjects will make them go away. Otherwise cautious and astute business people can talk themselves out of succession and estate planning. The message is clear. If you care about your family business, plan today for tomorrow.