You own a family business, or you’re part of a family business.  Maybe you’re the founder or one of the presumed successors.  Wanting the family business to grow and prosper, and hopefully thrive into future generations, are natural wishes and dreams.  Reality and history show us that not many family companies survive for generations…both from a pure business perspective and because families don’t always maintain unity and support.  Long-term success with family-owned businesses is rare and is generally the reward for those business leaders that understand the odds are stacked against them and take proactive measures to help ensure long-term sustainability.

Over the years and with enough observation, general themes become apparent can become learning lessons for your family farm.  Striving for continuous improvement is the dominant characterization of most financially and organizationally successful companies.  Consider the following thoughts and standards and see how you and your family-owned business compare.

I love “To-Do” lists and prioritizing activities.  

But then again, I'm a dork!

These are often missing in family farm businesses for a variety of reasons.  Being too busy farming is often a common response.  Project planning tends to be a day-to-day decision on which fire to put out first.  A situation characterized by the question, “Is your business running you or are you running your business?”