Book Pics: Relationships

by Mike McGrann, Executive Director, S. Dale High Center for Family Business

Since we're examining relationships in family business this season on "High Ground," I'd consider the following book a must-read. Working with the Ones you Love: Strategies for A Successful Family Business by Dennis T. Jaffee, Ph.D.

The first book on family business written by a family therapist, Working with the Ones you Love is a wealth of information and insight. Its chief strength is its blend of theory and pragmatism. Through descriptions of conflict situations and case histories, it provides practical tools to work through each.

Some of the areas addressed are:
• “How Family Patterns Mold the Business”
• “The Family Council”
• “Married to the Business…And Each Other”
• “A Tough Act to Follow…Growing up in the Business
• “Bringing Family into the Business”

One reviewer, Harold H. Bloomfield, writes, “A must book for anyone in a family business—thoughtful, effective…brilliant insights, guidelines and strategies for work with a loved one.

If you have siblings in the family business, feel free to take our poll in the sidebar. What advice would you have for others with siblings in the family business?