CONTINUUM | YOUR GENERATIONAL CHANGE
COACHING & MENTORING FOR A SUCCESSFUL GENERATIONAL CHANGE, CLARITY AND LONG-TERM STABILITY OF YOUR MEDIUM-SIZED FAMILY BUSINESS.
The handover of a family business represents one of the most important turning points in the history of a company. The generational change phase is complex – it involves challenges and risks, but also a wide range of opportunities for the further development of the company.
In order to successfully implement a generational change and to exploit its potential, it is important to approach it early, systematically, holistically and transparently. In addition to the strategic and economic framework conditions, tax, legal and financial issues must be resolved. Above all, however, emotional and social aspects must be managed and clarified.
According to the Institut für Mittelstandsforschung (IfM) – and also from my own practical experience – the greatest challenge for a successful generational change lies in overcoming emotional and interpersonal conflicts. Conflicts within the family, which may arise from a lack of communication, clarity and transparency, differing expectations and a blurring of the respective roles in the family and in the company, can jeopardise the generational change and often lead to the failure of a generational transition or at least to it not going as well as it could.
I am familiar with the depth of this topic not only from theory, but especially from my own experience. I have lived through taking over my father's company in 2006, the subsequent change process and the sale of the company in 2019 with the subsequent post-merger phase, as well as my departure and ‘letting go’ in 2022.
Successful company succession requires more than just the transfer of responsibility. For a smooth and sustainable implementation, it is essential that all parties develop a mutual understanding for each other and that the new roles, as well as the personal and professional identities, are clearly defined.
Accordingly, Continuum focuses on providing targeted and impartial support to create clarity, manage change and establish appropriate structures so that in the end, all parties involved, as well as the company, emerge stronger from the transition process.
The concept is based on a systemic coaching and mentoring approach and offers you holistic support that covers both the emotional needs of all parties involved and the practical challenges of succession. If required, we can draw on our network partner dhpg for legal, tax or financial advice, who has a high level of expertise in these areas in the context of succession.
Continuum is the solution for business owners and successors who want to make the business succession process effective and harmonious, while harnessing the potential of both generations.
THE CONTENT.
The topics and focus areas are, of course, very dependent on your specific situation, the phase of the generational change you are currently in, and the individual needs of all involved. The content and the process are therefore specifically tailored to you and your company.
Typically, the focus is on the following aspects:
CLARIFYING ROLES, EXPECTATIONS & PERSONAL GOALS
Together we reflect on the expectations of the outgoing and incoming generations. You gain clarity about your respective roles in the company as well as your personal identity, values and goals. We work out how all this can be integrated into the handover process and define clear responsibilities to avoid misunderstandings.
BUILDING COMMUNICATION & TRUST
Open and appreciative communication between the generations is crucial for a successful handover. We develop strategies to strengthen trust, avoid tensions and build a positive attitude for cooperation so that the transition goes smoothly for all parties.
VALUES & VISION ALIGNMENT
We work together to develop a clear vision for the future of the company that takes into account the values of both the outgoing and incoming generations. This vision should promote both business success and personal satisfaction in order to ensure a long-term, stable direction.
OVERCOMING EMOTIONAL CHALLENGES
A generational handover is not only an organisational change, but also always an emotional challenge. Whether it is about letting go and withdrawing from active leadership or about building up new responsibilities – you will learn to deal with these emotional aspects constructively and to develop resilience.
SHAPING THE TRANSITION FOR A NEW PHASE OF LIFE
For the outgoing generation, the focus is on the transition to a new phase of life. You will receive support in consciously shaping this transition, developing new goals and interests, and finding fulfilment in new projects or personal areas of life.
MENTORING & COACHING FOR THE INCOMING GENERATION
The next generation is supported by targeted mentoring to develop their personal leadership identity, expand their skills and gradually take on responsibility in the company. Another focus is on achieving a healthy balance between leadership, career and personal life. Coaching is designed to strengthen your personal and professional identity while creating space for family and personal growth.
YOUR BENEFITS.
Continuum offers you a clear structure and support to successfully manage the handover process on both a personal and professional level. It helps you to actively address the challenges of change and to jointly ensure a successful future for the company.
STRUCTURED HANDOVER PROCESS
You receive clear structures and recommendations for action to make the handover process transparent and fair for all parties involved.
CLARITY ABOUT PERSONAL VALUES & GOALS
You will gain clarity about your values, goals and priorities – both in the company and in your private life – and can actively integrate them into the handover process.
STRENGTHENING TRUST & COOPERATION
Through open, appreciative communication and the alignment of expectations, you will create trust between generations and promote sustainable cooperation.
MASTERING EMOTIONAL CHALLENGES
You will learn how to deal with the emotional aspects of the generational change and receive support in recognising and resolving possible tensions at an early stage.
SECURING THE FUTURE OF THE COMPANY
You will create the basis for long-term successful company management by taking into account and combining the values and visions of both generations.
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT & A HEALTHY WORK-LIFE-BALANCE
The generation taking over benefits from targeted mentoring to strengthen their leadership role and develop their personal and professional identity. Coaching supports you in developing a healthy work-life balance and thus in reconciling professional fulfilment and personal happiness.
FULFILLMENT IN THE NEW PHASE OF LIFE
For the outgoing generation, the generational change means not only withdrawing from the company, but also the chance to enter a fulfilling new phase of life. Coaching helps to develop new goals and interests and to shape this phase of life consciously and with satisfaction.
CHOOSE YOUR PATH.
CREATE YOUR JOURNEY.
Are you facing a generational change in your company and want to make it a success? Are you interested in comprehensive support for your succession process from an experienced entrepreneur and systemic coach?
Then please feel free to get in touch and arrange a free, no-obligation initial consultation. NOW.