One of the toughest things to talk about openly in the farm business is “how do we treat our children with our assets?” Certified family business coach Elaine Froese addresses the key question “what do you owe your kids?’
Videos
VIDEO: What assets do we owe our kids?
VIDEO: Survival of the farm business requires a common vision
There is a passage in the good book that reads, “Without a vision the people perish.” Dr. John Fast explains that the survival of the farm business depends on establishing and communicating a common vision.
VIDEO: The “Undiscussabull” in family communication
Elaine uses the “bull” metaphor to help families address the “undiscussabull” which exists in nearly every family business.
VIDEO: Getting Unstuck — Soft issues in the farm family
Every so often we have a spring that is so wet the online world begins to circulate the best stuck tractor pictures. Elaine Froese says soft issues make up the muck that has many farm families buried to the axles.
VIDEO: The secret to a successful family business: communication
According to Dr. John Fast just about every challenge he has ever run into dealing with a family business, can be boiled down to poor communication. Fast reveals the secret weapon to making family business successful no matter what kind of operation you have.
VIDEO: Keeping the family business strong: more group hugs?
Showing respect and appreciation is the lifeblood that keeps a family business strong. John Fast addresses the question most guys want answered, “Does this mean more group hugs?”
VIDEO: Farm succession and family relationships
Rich relationships are the real family jewels. You need to be clear on what your jewels are as you are doing your succession planning. What do you owe your kids?
VIDEO: I’ll never retire
What will you do when you retire? It’s a question that doesn’t make much sense to most farmers since the plan is typically to go with the boots on. When we consider the word retirement it forces us to examine some very core self-perceptions.
VIDEO: Sore Points
For children playing in a sandbox disagreement often results flinging sand at everyone and everything. One way to avoid sandbox behaviour in the farm business is to establish a Family Code of Conduct.
VIDEO: Finding Your Voice
It is through your voice that you have personal power – the power to be heard, to be understood, to make a difference, to move into friendships. John Fast explains that finding your voice is important in order to negotiate for what you truly believe is right and fair.
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