If you’ve got a son or daughter ready to take over the farm, let them move into the farm house—if they want to—and you can move out
As a mediator, I’ve seen some pretty dumb agreements about the home yard. When you are deciding to move away, or build a second home on the property, make sure you think things through with your lawyer and have some clear conversations with your successor. Continue reading Don’t split the farm yard »
Dear Farm Families,
Tonight we are waiting for a blizzard to blow in to our farm.
I have been working on coaching farm families by phone today. Folks just like you who are stuck with not knowing how to get the change they so desparately want to see.
You’ll note on the date of this blog, that I haven’t shown up here for awhile, and my intent is to start a conversation with those who wish to chat about starting tough conversations on the farm.
I read a chapter in Malcolm Gladwell’s book, The Outliers, that spoke about a culture of honour. These folks in the hill country are quick to fight for their honour. I am curious if farmers who are stubborn are really protecting their sense of honour, and they don’t want to show signs of weakness by asking for outside advisor’s help.
Asking for help is not a sign of weakness.
Acting on the help is a sign of courage and strength.
Answering the probes of loving family with a well-thought out response is a huge gift to the farm’s future ability to move forward with a stronger communication style and plan.
So,
When are you going to be ready to do the tough things right, and start talking and listening to your family ?
I’m signing off now to spend some time building relational capital with my hubby. The Raptors are calling.
Be well.
Remember, It is your farm. Your family. Your choice.
Elaine
Farm Family Coach
January is a great time to snuggle with a cup of tea and a great book. It is also a time to reflect on the lessons of last year, and for me, that lesson was learning to walk alongside friends who have become young widows.
Widow to Widow is a practical book written by Genevieve Davis Ginsburg, now my preferred gift to new widows. I asked a widow what her favorite resource for dealing with her new role of widowhood, and she named this book. Continue reading Widow to widow »
Do the Tough Things Right... How to Prevent Communication Disasters in Family Business
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