In a family business, we often see sibling rivalry between the older generation and the younger generation. It can be difficult for the older generation to understand what the younger generation is thinking but it’s even worse to be the older generation to the younger generation.
If you want to understand how the two generations of a family business (or any business) relate you have to understand the two generations of the business itself. The older generation is responsible for the business, the younger generation is responsible for the business. If you try to understand the business, then you have to understand the business and the business.
For example, if you are the owner of a family business, you should be the one making the decisions and telling the younger generation, say your teenage son, what to do and when and you should be the one trying to figure out what the younger generation is thinking.
I know this is a rough, but it’s the nature of the business.
So here’s a very rough, but very fair analogy. If you are the head of the business, you should be the one telling your teenage son, “You are going to have to learn to manage the business. I have no idea what you are going to say or do, but I have to be responsible. You are going to have to learn to work with me. I’m going to send you out. Learn that from me and I will teach you. Don’t do anything stupid.
I have no idea what he is going to do or say, but I do know that he’s going to have to learn how to work with me and I might not be able to teach him anything.
He has to learn how to work with his mother and how to work with his father, and this is all within the context of the family business. The way he works with me is to be responsible. To be the boss and to be the leader. That is what being a business owner means. His father, the real boss, has to be at his side, but he also has to learn how to work with him.
One of the things that makes me feel good about working with my son is that he seems to really get it. I see him try to be in control of things too. I see him being more responsible, more respectful, and more mature in his relationships. I see him trying to be a better friend and taking on the role of the leader. I am proud of him for being a good son, brother, and friend.
My husband and I have always been close. He’s a pretty big friend of mine, and the only time I’ve got close was when we were watching the movie “The Last of Us.” He’s always been there for me.
I see my son’s life change pretty quickly. Hes a great kid. He loves and supports me and my wife. Hes a great brother to me. Hes a great friend to his mom and brother. Hes a great dad to his sister. Hes a great friend to his family. Hes a great boss to his boss (his boss is a little too controlling). Hes an awesome son to his friends. Hes a great brother to his brother. Hes a great dad to his sister.