“Family Businesses have predictable problems.”

“Now the general who wins a battle makes many calculations in
his temple before the battle is fought. The general who loses a battle
makes but few calculations beforehand. Thus doing many calculations
will lead to victory, and few calculations will lead to defeat.”
Sun Tzu

“…Do the family members know how to leave the family wealth management business so that they do not feel they have to leave? (This is in contrast to not knowing how to leave and then spending their lives trying to find out)”
James E. Hughes Jr., Family Wealth, Keeping it in the Family

“The most common problem that inhibits a family business is employing a relative who is not capable of handling a job professionally or, at the very least, adequately. Sometimes it is lack of skills; more often it is lack of desire or ambition. Competence, not family name, is the key to success. The family business is not a place to “park” relatives; nor is it a social agency. It is an asset held by a family and is probably the biggest asset in the family portfolio. Therefore it is important to have a statement of policy on family employment. All family members must adhere to the policy in order for equal employment opportunities to prevail….”
David Bork, Family Business, Risky Business

“Each family business is different and calls for a unique approach. However, clear structures and policies are always needed. ….Encourage the family to develop employment and financial distribution policies, mission statements and such. The development of these understandings will enhance team building and focus the family in a positive direction. Committing these to writing imbues them with more meaning and power and will enable stakeholders to refer to them during future conflicts…”
Bork, Jaffe, Lan, Dashew & Heisler, Working with Family Businesses