With all things being equal, like economy, competition, and product quality, what makes one family business more successful than another? More often than not, the determining factor for success in all businesses, family or otherwise, is communication. But in family businesses, sometimes the line separating family roles from business concerns blurs, causing miscommunication to occur.

With all things being equal, like economy, competition, and product quality, what makes one family business more successful than another? More often than not, the determining factor for success in all businesses, family or otherwise, is communication. But in family businesses, sometimes the line separating family roles from business concerns blurs, causing miscommunication to occur.

“Unfortunately, most family business members are unable to communicate about sensitive or heated subjects without ending up in some kind of argument,” says family business consultant Laura Michaud. In her book, "From the Kitchen Table to the Conference Table: Family Business Communication" (Cameo Publications, $17.95, ISBN 0-97441494-8), Michaud helps family business members identify their communication barriers and address important issues that challenge the family dynamic. Beyond identifying the current problems, she offers insightful Action Items and easy-to-use advice for overcoming communication challenges in the future.

Michaud identifies four personality types (drivers, impellers, stabilizers, and careful ones), and their characteristics. Drivers are direct leaders; impellers are persuasive communicators; stabilizers are cooperative team players; and careful ones are detail-oriented analysts. Each type communicates differently, and if the different types come together without understanding, feelings can be hurt and purposes misunderstood. The book includes a behavioral assessment so you can identify your own communication style as well as that of your family members, along with tips for understanding and communicating with each type of person.

“If family members knew how to better communicate with each behavioral style about such topics as finances, estate planning, succession planning, organizational structure, and family/business perceptions in the beginning, before the problem got out of control, they could have greatly reduced and/or managed the existing problems,” says Michaud. Increased understanding of the unique communication styles leads to better communication in family businesses.

As a third-generation owner of Beltone Electronics, Laura Michaud, MBA, learned first-hand the challenges and importance of communication in family business. After selling Beltone in 1997, she founded the Michaud Group consulting firm to share her experience and knowledge with other family businesses and help them overcome their communication challenges.

For more information or a review copy of "From the Kitchen Table to the Conference Table: Family Business Communication" please call 866-372-2636 or send an email to marketing@cameopublications.com.