Episode 179 - Understanding Conflict in Family Businesses with Doug Baumoel

Doug Baumoel is the founder of Continuity Family Business Consulting and a renowned expert in managing conflict within family enterprises. With over 25 years of experience, Doug has developed a unique systems approach to resolving deep-seated family disputes. He is the co-author of the influential book "Deconstructing Conflict: Understanding Family Business, Shared Wealth and Power," which he wrote with Blair Trippe. Doug's work focuses on addressing identity-based conflicts and historical impasses, providing families with the tools and strategies needed for long-term harmony and business success.

SHOW SUMMARY 

In this episode of the Disruptive Successor podcast, host Jonathan Goldhill welcomes Doug Baumoel, founder of Continuity Family Business Consulting. Doug discusses his groundbreaking work in managing conflict within family businesses, drawing on over 25 years of experience and his unique systems approach. He delves into the origins of his conflict equation, the importance of understanding identity-based conflicts, and effective methods for resolving deep-seated family disputes. Along the way, Doug shares insights from his book, "Deconstructing Conflict: Understanding Family Business, Shared Wealth and Power," co-authored with Blair Trippe.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Understanding Identity-Based Conflict: Conflict in family businesses often goes beyond financial disputes and touches on deep-seated identity issues. Recognizing this can help in addressing the core of the conflict.
• The Conflict Equation: Doug's methodology breaks down conflicts into opposing goals, incompatible values, and historical impasses, each requiring different approaches for resolution.
• Forgiveness and Releasing Blame: Genuine conflict resolution often involves a process of forgiveness and releasing blame, which can be structured and methodical.
• Historical Impasses: Addressing past grievances and historical conflicts within the family is crucial for long-term harmony and business success.
• Empathy and Understanding: Building empathy and understanding between family members can lead to better accommodation of differing values and smoother conflict resolution.

QUOTES

• "Conflict in Family Enterprise has more in common with religious, political, and ethnic conflicts than with civil disputes."
• "When your identity is threatened, your rational thinking gets hijacked, and you behave emotionally."
• "Forgiveness is not a simple act; it's a process that requires understanding, empathy, and sometimes a structured approach."

Connect and learn more about Doug Baumoel.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dougbaumoel/

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