Welcome to the Family Ties^© e-letter brought to you by Pervin Family Business Advisors Inc.

It's been another year of stimulating client learning, interaction and individual growth, and I've witnessed some fantastic achievements among my clients and colleagues. By example, I have had the pleasure to work with a few G3 leaders, where I was also the consultant who assisted the transition to the G2 stage twenty-years earlier. As well, I am proud to report that FFI Ontario is growing and becoming recognized as a leading association for professionals to gather, share and learn about the intricacies of business family life; and, my role as a FFI mentor is very satisfying.

On reflection, personal and business events of 2007 confirm that human relationships are, by far, the most complex and intriguing experiences that each of us will have during our lifetimes. They profoundly affect our self-esteem, our identity and our well-being. Our lives are vibrant and full when we have satisfying and loving relationships with members of our family, when we can have trusted friends and colleagues and when we can have compassion for others as well as for ourselves. We are significantly diminished when we experience people and situations that are corrosive, toxic and oppressive - relationships where people lack the ability to interact effectively with each other.

It is hard to choose only two books to mention [look for a list of my book picks on the web site in mid-January], but here they are: The first is Family Business On The Couch: A Psychological Perspective by Kets de Vries, Carlock and Florent-Treacy. In the Preface, they explain, "The challenge for business families, and their stakeholders, is to recognize the issues that family businesses face, understand how to develop strategies to address them, and, more importantly, to create narratives, or family stories, that explain the emotional dimension of the issues to the family." This book reinforces my approach to family business advising: start with a trusting and respectful relationship and then proceed where invited. It is also an appropriate complement to the list of Unspoken Business Family Rules [PDF].

The second book is called, The No Asshole Rule - Building a Civilized Workplace and Surviving in One That Isn't. Bob Sutton has written a book about the hidden costs of jerks at work. It is more than just a reflection; the book is a definitive guide to understanding, counteracting, and not becoming an asshole. I am qualified to make this judgement because I've been one and have been victimized by many over the years. Once in a while a book comes along that's a great read and helpful, in a light-hearted fashion.

In upcoming issues, the business family topics will address beneficial aspects of governance, leadership, organization, planning and relationships, to offer a few ideas. If you have a question, a great idea for inclusion in this e-letter, or if you just have some comments you would like to share with us, we want to hear from you!

Allow me to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday...talk to you next year.

2007 Surveys...

AMERICAN FAMILY BUSINESS SURVEY [PDF]
By MassMutual, FFI and Kennesaw University

FAMILY BUSINESS SURVEY
By PricewaterhouseCoopers

Articles of Interest...

THE SECRET TO RAISING SMART KIDS
More than three decades of research shows that a focus on effort–not on intelligence or ability–is key to success in school and in life.

THOMSON'S COSTLY DREAM
Information provider Thomson Corp. fulfilled a long-held dream when it agreed to purchase business-data and news company Reuters Group PLC in May. These aspirations have come with a cost -- namely a sense it made the deal to buy Reuters at the height of the economic cycle fueling Reuters's profit.

SURPRISE! WOMEN ON THE BOARD EARN MORE
A recent study shows that, in corporate boardrooms, female directors actually make more than their male counterparts.

THREE GENERATIONS OF CHINESE ENTREPRENEURS: WILL THE THIRD GENERATION BE AS SUCCESSFUL?
Over the past two decades, Chinese firms have significantly enhanced their global competitiveness, due in large part to the efforts of a group of entrepreneurial business leaders. These entrepreneurs have helped transform China into a market economy that is increasingly integrated with the global economy. Thus, in order to understand Chinese firms, one has to understand Chinese entrepreneurs.

THE CEO POLL: THE DUTY OF WEALTH
In a web survey conducted by Compas Inc., 166 CEOs and leaders of primarily small and medium-sized companies provided guidance on family business dynamics.

WHAT MAKES US MORAL
We're a species that is capable of almost dumbfounding kindness. [...] That we're also the lowest, cruelest, most blood-drenched species is our shame—and our paradox. – The Morality Quiz

BEST PRACTICES IN SUCCESSION PLANNING
Last month, two iconic companies, Merrill Lynch and Citigroup, have seen their CEOs unexpectedly depart. Equally surprising is the fact that neither company has demonstrated that a strategic approach to succession planning was in place.

CHANGING LEADERS
The board's role in CEO succession, and why they often pick the wrong leaders.

DRUCKER IN THE BOARDROOM
Excerpts from the personal correspondence of the management visionary reveal frank insights into boards.

WHAT NEW DIRECTORS NEED TO LEARN
You've gotten the offer to join a board, you've done your homework and said yes. Now here's what you need to do before your first meeting.

UNLOCKING THE SECRETS OF SELF-SABOTAGE
A new study suggests that if you believe you're mediocre, chances are you'll keep shooting yourself in the foot to prove it.

Additional Stuff...

A FEW UNSPOKEN RULES THAT POSSIBLY SHAPE YOUR BUSINESS FAMILY LIFE [PDF]
Can you add to this list? Send me your unspoken rule(s).

20 GADGETS YOU WANT
Popular applications of science and technology for you to give and get.

20 GADGETS WE LOVE
Objects of desire for folks who appreciate the application of science to the problem of cool.

From my cousin Lila...

PARENT - Job Description [PDF]

And, from my 93 year old Mother...

Celibacy can be a choice in life, or a condition imposed by circumstances.

While attending a Marriage Encounter Weekend, Herb and his wife Mary, listened to the instructor declare, "It is essential that husbands and wives know the things that are important to each other."

He addressed the men, "Can you name and describe your wife's favourite flower?" Herb leaned over, touched Mary's arm gently and whispered, "Robin Hood-All-purpose, isn't it?"

And thus began Herb's life of celibacy.

My Mother told me that the Book of the Month at her senior's residence is the 'annual report'.

Did you know...

Our web site is chock full of interesting and compelling articles for the family business. You can send our articles to a friend, family member or colleague, quickly and easily.

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