If you want respect, be respectable.
This was the thought running through my head as I was chatting with an older next gen family member at a conference where I was speaking. He was telling me all about the challenges he was encountering assuming leadership of his family’s company. He was frustrated that the senior leadership team and the board were not respecting him and his position as a family member. However, after some gentle prodding, it was clear he felt entitled to a leadership role even though he was inexperienced and not that knowledgeable about his industry. From my point of view, he had not yet earned the role he was seeking.
If you’re seeking a leadership position in your family’s enterprise, here are a few thoughts on building the respect you’re looking for:
- Be wildly curious about the business. While you may know about the business, that doesn’t mean you know the business. Your curiosity will earn the respect of others and I can assure you, you will learn the business a lot faster. Curiosity accelerates learning and shows humility.
- Be a student of the industry. Be the expert your family and team would want to have on their team. Identify the industry leaders in your field and reach out to them. Build your network. Read the industry trade materials. Go to conferences. And, be a go-to source for trends and insights that would be valuable for your family’s enterprise.
- Lead by serving. Support the business regardless of title or role. If you’re showing up every day, working your a** off, asking questions, and stepping up wherever you can, it will be recognized by the leadership team and your family.
Respect, responsibility, and leadership need to be earned. Earn it.
