Determining when and how to transition leadership or ownership to family or employees is vital to preserving a company’s value, legacy, and continuing success.

Yet, according to a 2021 survey, fewer than 34% of family-owned businesses have a formal succession plan that has been communicated to stakeholders. Failure to have a plan in place not only puts the family business and family relationships at risk but can also have an impact on employees and the community.

When it comes to developing a strong succession plan, it’s best not to go it alone – it is a team sport involving legal, financial, and business advisors.

By being proactive, you can ensure smooth transitions, optimize strategic development options, and maximize value so that the business thrives for generations. For instance, bringing in a third party to conduct an assessment can help to uncover current challenges and blind spots, not unlike how your trusted mechanic performs a multi-point inspection on your car. This drives an iterative discussion on observed challenges, risks, and opportunities, which are then contrasted with best practices.

Additionally, you’ll want to work with key members of your team to align expectations for the company’s future – that could range from transforming the business for the next generation to specifying a transition plan for leadership positions, to the development of individuals or family members. Whatever the scenario, the goal is to create alignment in vision and strategy.

If your business doesn’t have a plan in place, we can help, as our business advisors have helped many clients develop their succession plans. We can facilitate a planning process that is both strategic and integrates succession in such a way that considers the ‘why’, ‘how’, and ‘what’ of your business.

Our planning process includes action points that address near-term gaps and achieve mid-to-long-term objectives – all while reducing risks. We’ll also provide ongoing support with resources and experience to guide process improvements, capability development, and implementation of the plan.

To learn more about our strategic succession planning and transformative processes, click here.

If you found this topic interesting, our strategic partner, JACO Advisory Group published content you may find relevant as well: Family Business Planning – Preparing the Next Generation to Lead and Who Should be Next in Line to Lead the Family Business?

This post was co-written by:
Marcel van der Elst, DWH Senior Director, and Jordan Gunn, Collaborative Designer