Are you planning for young family members to join your business, with the goal of an eventual management role?
You’ve probably heard the advice that working elsewhere first is ideal. I know people who’ve been quite successful without that. Yet in general, it’s a good idea to consider for several reasons.
It builds their credibility with others in the business, which is important when you consider the baggage of being the boss’ child or relative. That’s credibility lies in that they were able to “make it” elsewhere. With that credibility, they also bring valuable skills and experience.
It boosts their confidence in themselves. In my own family business experience in my late 20s, it helped to know I’d been successful on my own. It gave me confidence during times I was uncertain or challenged.
It confirms the decision for both of you. Sometimes you fear that once they get that predictable job in the city, with holidays and weekends off, they won’t want to join your demanding production ag operation. But if they want a different lifestyle than what your business can offer, shouldn’t you both figure that out sooner rather than later? Making the choice after seeing the other options cements their commitment.
And in the times when life gets tough and we’re questioning our choices – which most of us do at some point, it’s good to have experience that shows the grass isn’t always greener on the other side.
The range of skills they can acquire elsewhere is wide: practice being accountable to show up on time and answer to an (unrelated) boss; finance, marketing, supervisory, agronomy, or technology skills; experience developing people on the team. Bringing those skills and experiences home builds value in your business.
If it’s too late in your case, but the need still exists, think creatively about how you might deliver off-farm experiences. You could swap an employee with another business for a period of time. The next generation could work elsewhere in the off-season or pursue off-site leadership and management training.
Off-farm skills and experience build value in the business, while the higher levels of confidence and credibility confirm your investment.
Davon Cook is a family business consultant at Pinion. Reach Davon at [email protected]. The opinions of the author are not necessarily those of Farm Futures or Farm Progress.
About the Author(s)
You May Also Like