Most companies start out quite small
And some don’t grow much at all.
But of course as fortunes rise
Some do attain a certain size.
But even if they grow quite large,
While the founder’s still in charge,
Decision making’s very clear-
The Captain is the one who’ll steer.
But families do tend to grow
And problems start as you well know.
Some families have had bad patches
With fights as fierce as boxing matches,
Tremendous bouts, no rules or gloves
Or filial and fraternal loves.
And when relationships have failed
The amoeba model has prevailed.
In fairness though, it must be said
Some families when they head
For a split plan it quite well,
While others choose to go through hell.
But if it is your ambition
To put aside perpetual fission
And build a group that lasts and grows
Then it quite naturally flows
That families must work in teams.
That’s not as easy as it seems.
With siblings it can be quite rough.
With cousins it can be more tough.
And women who were oft excluded
Now more and more are included.
In-laws sometimes play a part.
And handling them’s a special art.
But the goal is worth a try
Since you serve to unify
The family and help to build
A family business that is filled
With the aspirations and diverse skills
Of all its members. If these thrills
Appeal to you, do go ahead.
Don’t be complacent but instead
Face the issues and decide
How this method will be tried.
If you manage to remember
To take the best from every member,
To be democratic as well as fair,
Give professionals their rightful share,
Suppress the urge for personal greed
In favour of the family’s need,
Then with the blessings of the Gods
I am sure you can beat the odds,
Put every member in the caste
And build a business that will last.
