Mindfully shaping business succession - the role of systemic succession coaching in business families

Summary of the study

Business families are complex systems, characterized by mutual influences and feedback in the two subsystems of family and business. One major challenge is business succession, to which too little attention is paid in many companies and which should be accompanied by systemic succession coaching. The following article therefore describes the special features of business families and business succession as a central challenge and then presents a case study. In this case, the discussion formats used - individual discussions, couple discussions and family workshops - as well as the coaching methods applied - goal work and ecology check, vision work, succession map - are described, condensed into working hypotheses and transferred into a procedural model for systemic succession coaching derived from them.

Key findings of this study

• Effective coaching requires a deep understanding of family business dynamics. Coaches must have a precise grasp of cause-and-effect relationships in these complex systems.
• A goal-oriented coaching approach uses individual, couple and family workshops. This takes into account the complexity and promotes awareness of all family members.
• Specific coaching methods are helpful for support. Recommended tools include goal work, vision work and the succession map.
• Continuous process support from a coaching dyad is required. This should combine family therapy and business management expertise in order to do justice to all levels.
• The process model developed addresses communication paradoxes. Conflict-laden succession issues can thus be dealt with and concrete measures derived.