Talento y Desarrollo Profesional en Empresas Familiares

What are some approaches to develop leadership skills for key managers?

Management should be willing to invest in the development with the expectation that it will pay dividends. Most already provide technical training but leave leadership development to on the job experiences. Seek the advice of professionals and consider in-house as well as outside seminars and programs. Always share your expectation of the participants that they will stimulate new approaches based on the training.

Does it make sense to find a mentor for the next generation?

There is an expectation with this next generation that there will be investments in getting them "ready," which is different from what their parent experienced. Likely, this will require resources from outside the company. Make sure your screening process assures a mentor who can incorporate the values of the company. This process could have a multi-year horizon.

Does it make sense to find a mentor for non-family members?

Yes. Mentors can be helpful for all employees who have potential for greater responsibilities, are open to changed behavior, and are or will be in an impact position in the company. The bottom line in selecting a person for mentoring — family member or not — is that it should ultimately be in the best interests of the company as well as the employee. To the extent that an employee improves his or her management and organizational skills and behavior, the company benefits.

Many are of the opinion that a son or daughter coming into the family business should experience working elsewhere as part of his or her development — is this a good idea?

Some family businesses have a policy that requires the next generation to acquire outside experience before coming into the business. Others prefer to train and develop their own next generation. The benefits of requiring some outside experience are many. Generally, it can provide a different point of view and perspective. Specifically, it can provide an understanding of a non-family-run business and environment or a different family-run business and environment — company dynamics, management style, different markets, etc. If successful, it can provide a jump-start for the young person who ultimately comes into the business.