The Growth-Drive Hot Seat

Summary: Dr. Allie Taylor, a business psychologist, specializes in working with family businesses and helping them navigate the challenges that come with multi-generational dynamics. She is often brought in when families hit roadblocks and need additional support. One common issue she sees is the emotional dynamics within families, as families are first and foremost emotional units. Artificial harmony, where people suppress their true emotions to maintain peace, is a common challenge. Dr. Taylor shared a case study of a family business that was struggling with succession and experienced conflict and communication breakdowns. Through her intervention, the family was able to resolve their issues and achieve significant growth and profitability.
Takeaways:
-Family businesses are emotional units, and emotions drive behavior in ways that may not be fully understood or expected.
-Artificial harmony, where people suppress their true emotions to maintain peace, can hinder effective communication and problem-solving.
-Succession in family businesses can be particularly challenging due to the emotional attachments and dynamics involved.
-Working with a business psychologist can help family businesses navigate these challenges and achieve growth and profitability.
-Emotional alignment within a senior leadership team is important for effective decision-making and collaboration.