Case study: getting beyond a tragedy - crises present opportunities; joining a firm must be voluntary - Panel Discussion

Nation's Business, Feb, 1996 by Jane Hilburt-David, James I. Herbert

With five upscale restaurants, MacKenzie "Mac" Goodman, 47, had a reputation as an extremely successful entrepreneur. When Mac spoke, most people listened.

But six months ago, Mac was almost silenced. He and his son, David, 23, were biking along a country road when both were hit by a speeding truck- David had multiple bruises, but Mac was almost crushed.

After six months of constant therapy, Mac has improved, but the accident has left him a paraplegic. His wife, Mary, 46, has not been able to cope with the can't bear to see Mac in this condition. In 25 years of marriage, she has known hun only as a handsome, hard-charging, yet very loving husband. She has never been so severely tested, and she's not sure she has the strength to face life with Mac now. Mac has made progress in learning to deal with his limited capacities. Yet he's aware of the tremendous conflict that Mary is feeling and has told her to leave if she chooses.

Mac wants to stay in business, maintain control of his company, and have David assume the role of president. "I can help David with strategic decisions, and he can help me," says Mac. "What other 23-year-old is given this kind of opportunity?"

David, however, has never had a desire to work in his father's company. Music is his passion. "I don't want to hurt Dad, but I want my own chance to make it," says David. "Dad sees this as an opportunity. I see it as a burden."

David wants to know how he can help his father without actually joining the company, but he doesn't want to be seen as disloyal for pursuing his dream. Mac wants to know how he can stay in the business. Mary, meanwhile, is undecided about her future. Each wants to know: "What do we do now?"

Response 1

Crises Present

Opportunities

The Goodmans need to know they are responding in ways that are not at all unusual after a crisis. Guilt, anger, extremes of optimism and pessimism, and confusion are all normal reactions. For this family to get back on track, feelings and conflicts must be frankly discussed. Mac and Mary should use this time to talk about their relationship and what they need to do, whether they stay together or part. My guess is that Mary will find the courage to stay, but she and Mac need to explore ways to create a new relationship, with both ultimate and independent times.

David should make clear his need to pursue his dreams. Mac should encourage David to follow his star and help free him from "survivor guilt." At the same time, Mac should keep the door open. David may be back!

Mac apparently had built a strong management team, one that has so far kept the company going without him. Now, as he plans for the future of the business and the possibility of his own return, he may wish to formalize the role that team has been playing. He also needs a complete understanding of his medical condition. Paraplegics can lead full lives. Mac and Mary should consider what role she would want, if any, in the company and also plan a smooth transition for his return, with adjustments for his disability.

Crises present opportunities. Now is the perfect time for each of the Goodmans to map out their future. They will want to ask themselves what they have learned in the past six months about their strengths and what areas to work on.

Response 2

Joining A Firm

Must Be Voluntary

The difficulty in this particular succession transition is amplified by all the emotions surrounding Mac's disability. The Goodmans' experience is also a sad reminder of how important it is to begin succession planning as early as possible.

I would advise Mac, Mary, and David to meet and discuss what is important to each of them. In this case, one of the major issues is a classic clash of perceptions of reality. Mac sees his proposition as an opportunity for David, while David believes it to be a burden.

In my view, David should pursue his dream and not join the business. Participation in a family business must be voluntary, not an obligation. David could assist and support Mac in other ways. For example, he could serve on Mac's board of directors.

Mary's inability to deal with Mac's condition is understandable. And Mac seems to show compassion and support for her as she tries to come to grips with her new circumstances. It is not clear if Mac shows similar compassion and support for his son. David is dealing with the issues that come with being in your early 20s - the need to change your relationships ships with your parents and become more adult, and testing initial career choices.

David is also dealing with a desire to be supportive - supportive of his mother as she makes her personal decision to stay or leave, and supportive of and loyal to his father, without having to join the business. It will help if Mary and Mac recognize what David is going through and avoid taking advantage of his desire to please parents.