Family squabbles spoil the fun - family businesses

Nation's Business, Sept, 1990 by Mary Dana Korman, Albert Thomassen

Family Squabbles Spoil The Fun

When her husband Peter died, Alice was left with six children, a start-up distribution business, and very little cash. It has been eight years of hard work and constant worry, but today the business is booming, and Alice, 62, is ready to slow down. She should be pleased, but instead she feels trapped.

Her three daughters, who work in the business, squabble like small children. They no longer fuss over toys, they carp over tasks, salaries, and decisions. Feuding has replaced the cooperative effort they once shared. They all come to Alice to complain, and she feels like a referee. Worst of all, the daughters no longer seem to have fun with each other during work or at family gatherings.

The three are all good people and solid workers. Alice loves each but does not understand the escalating tensions. She wonders why they can't pull together, work hard, and get the job done. Her daughter's animosity affects not only Alice's well-being but also the morale of the nonfamily employees. And, if the looks on the faces of her daughters are a clue, they are pretty miserable, too.

Paula, 30, is a sounding board for and assistant to Alice in all administrative tasks and has been since the day Peter died. She has been available to help in any way needed. Together, Paula and Alice pulled the business through the early years.

Leslie, 28, is terrific at sales. Paid on commission, she now has the largest income. She came back into the business 10 months ago after a three-year break in Colorado "to find herself." It was tough to get along without her. While gone, she worked for a large corporation, and she came away with many ideas for improving the family business. Eager to implement them, Leslie has suggested she buy the company, and her sisters are incensed.

Chris, 26, who is responsible for filling orders, works in the warehouse, where she began during high school. Now that her children are in school full time, she wants more responsibility. She has been pushing for a new role but cannot get her mother to listen.

What can Alice and her daughters do to restore harmony and enjoyment and move the business forward?