Leaders must empower relatives to get ahead

Investing in family members and relatives
If anyone fails to provide for his relatives, and especially for those of his own family, he has disowned the faith [by failing to accompany it with fruits] and is worse than an unbeliever [who performs his obligation in these matters].
1 Timothy 5:8, The Amplified Bible

During the presidential campaigns in 2008 the then Senator Barack Obama faced criticism with regard to the impoverished state of some members of his extended family, some of who were illegal immigrants.

These concerns were loudly debated in the USA, best known as the land of the rugged individualist. It became clear that even Americans, capitalists par excellence, expect leaders to take measures to assist their close family members.

Every leader of a thriving family business faces criticism with regard to the state of his extended family. It is important for every Leader of Family Business to prepare for the questions about less fortunate relatives that will come with success and prominence.

So how does the leader address parents, uncles and aunts who approach him/her on behalf of their children seeking funding for their ventures?

Listen The first thing that the leader must do is listen; courteously, patiently and carefully. Remember that they are your blood. As the proverb goes, blood is thicker than water.

The value of a non-judgmental listening ear must not be underestimated, especially when offered by a person of higher status. The act of listening in itself, may be all that relatives require.

For this reason, set and keep appointments of adequate duration with relatives, insisting that meetings start and end on time, to ensure that the proposal can be discussed to conclusion. Set a good example by arriving for such meetings on time and well-prepared.

The leader must remember to be sensitive; the glory of future success should the venture succeed will be shared by all, while blame for failure may be lumped on the leader if a relative’s venture fails in full view of the leader if they do nothing.

Decide. The second thing the leader must do is decide whether the venture is viable and what it needs most at that particular stage.

All businesses are different.

Some need money, others ideas, others connections to resources and others just a word of advice or direction regarding future moves.

While relatives may see the leader of a successful business purely as a source of cash, it is possible to contribute other resources and ideas to a new venture that will prove much more valuable in the future.

The serious entrepreneur appreciates the insights and wisdom of an experienced businessperson much more than pure cash. Your relatives are no different.

Act.The third thing the leader must do is act. Immediately. If a venture (and its mover) strikes you as viable and worthy of your money, schedule another meeting during which terms of investment will be discussed.