Resolving Conflict Within a Family Business
Conflict is a natural occurrence in any family business. When two or more people are working together towards a common goal, there will be disagreements at some point. The key to resolving conflict within a family-run business is to have a plan for dealing with it when it arises. This blog post will discuss the steps that educator Jonathan Osler recommends for dealing with conflict in a family business.
1. Acknowledge and understand the source of the conflict
When two or more people disagree, it is essential to take a step back and understand what is causing the conflict. Is it a difference of opinion? A clash of personalities? Something that was said or done wrong? Once you have identified the source of the conflict, you can start to address it.
2. Talk about the conflict
It is essential to talk about the conflict openly and honestly. This will help clear the air and make sure that everyone is on the same page. It is also a good opportunity for everyone to share their point of view.
3. Come up with a resolution
Once you have talked about the conflict, it is time to come up with a resolution. This can be not easy, but it is essential to find a solution that everyone can live with. If you cannot come up with a resolution, it may be necessary to seek outside help.
4. Follow through
It is important to follow through on the resolution you have agreed to. This means that everyone needs to do their part and stay committed to the agreement. Failing to do so will only cause more conflict in the future.
5. Learn from the conflict
Conflict is a learning opportunity. It can help you to understand yourself and your relationships better. It can also teach you to communicate more effectively and constructively resolve conflicts.
6. Rinse and repeat
Conflict is inevitable in any family business. The key is to have a plan in place to deal with it when it arises. By following the steps outlined above, you can resolve conflicts in a beneficial way for all involved.
7. Seek outside help if necessary
If you cannot resolve a conflict on your own, you may be required to seek out help. Many professionals specialize in resolving family business conflicts. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it.
8. Avoid escalation
One of the biggest dangers of conflict can lead to escalation. This means that the disagreement becomes more and more heated until it turns into a full-blown argument. It is vital to avoid this at all costs, as it will only lead to further conflict and animosity.
9. Seek outside help if necessary
If you cannot resolve a conflict on your own, it may be necessary to seek out help. Many professionals specialize in resolving family business conflicts. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it.
Conclusion
Conflict is a natural occurrence in any family business. The key to resolving conflict within a family-run business is to have a plan for dealing with it when it arises. By following the steps outlined by Jonathan Osler, you can resolve conflicts in a beneficial way for all involved.