In the typical family business there are myriad attitudes that can be modified to produce better harmony and results. Founders typically have substantial pride in what they have accomplished. They often started on a shoestring, bet their assets on the success of the business, and put in a gargantuan amount of labor to make their idea bare fruit. They frequently don t see in their children, whose diapers they once changed, possessing the same kind of verve and tenacity. Fathers in a family business frequently exhibit a parental attitude toward their adult children in the business.
Mothers are concerned with egalitarianism.
The children, waiting for their turn at the helm, are concerned with sibling encroachments and parental indecision. One or two will feel entitled to certain company powers, paychecks, and freedoms. When these and other family inspired attitudes have ample opportunity to grow and expand the ultimate conclusion can be rancor, severely bruised family relations, and too often, dismal business success. Each family business member sees the business from a different perspective. Some will see it as a family monument.