it can lead to hard feelings that damage both the business and the family. * Entitlement: We often see cases in which parents have effectively given their kids power in the company without setting expectations around what they have to do to earn it. When parents are unwilling to address entitlement issues, they run the risk of creating a break in the family/time continuum; the employees resent the kids, and the kids themselves aren't capable of taking over when the time comes, putting the business' future at risk. As we've seen, poor communication is most often the underlying current that drives conflict in a family business. Before making changes to an intended strategic direction in your business, I encourage you ask yourself what is causing this shift. Is it a reflection of changing market or financial conditions, or is it because of unresolved family dynamics? If it is the latter, I encourage you to address those family issues before making a change in direction that might negatively affect your business down the line. You might still find yourself continuing down the altered path, but at least you will be doing it knowing that it is what is right for the family and the business. Karofsky is a consultant with The Family Business Consulting Group Inc., a leading management consulting firm serving the unique needs of multigenerational family businesses worldwide. 35