As family businesses move from one generation to the next, they often tumble from a place of beauty & strength to one consumed with family infighting, conflict, blame and unhappiness. A question like our title suggests is a symptom of a deep breakdown in communication, business alignment as well as family harmony. When the evolution has reached this point, the business suffers, the family’s wealth suffers, the family suffers, and each individual suffers.

Why does this happen? How does it happen? And most importantly how can family business leaders make sure this does NOT happen on their watch. What can they do to prepare for a successful transition and business continuation ? What kind of Governance Structures and Succession Planning? How should conflicts be resolved? What critical competencies are most needed?