Every July I think about independence and how it’s such an important human desire. In my work with family businesses all over the world, it’s evident that the younger generation really values independence. Successful family businesses need to strike a balance between giving the next generation some independence and encouraging the next generation to realize that everyone’s success is dependent on each other.
We encourage families to take a coaching approach to building a strong and sustainable team. The family coaching leaders should convey a message like this to their team about what it means to be both independent and dependent.
To Be Independent
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Be responsible for your own personal development
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Be responsible for your own personal happiness
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Be responsible for your own drive, motivation and focus everyday
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Bring new ideas on ways to improve the team
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Do your work with your own personal style and flair
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Own up to your own shortcomings or breakdowns
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Be open to feedback and coaching from others
To Be Dependent
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Perform within the agreed upon rules of the team
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Support and encourage each other’s success
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Hold each other accountable in a good way
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Take responsibility to create a good vibe on the team
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Trust each other and assume everyone is trying their best
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Realize your actions and behaviors impact all of us
Great teams with strong coaches find a way to build a culture that values and celebrates independence and understands the importance of dependence.
If you think this idea would help your team, share it with everyone and then ask them to engage in a dialogue about it at your next meeting.
Independence is an interesting concept that takes time to understand and integrate into your team. Our Family Business Coaching System teaches family business leaders how to be great family business coaches.
Coach Pete
Pete Walsh is a demanding, courageous and playful Master Coach in Phoenix, Arizona. He is the founder of Peak Workout Business Coaching and the Family Business Performance Center. He can be reached at pete@peakcoach.com.
