Avoiding Tense Christmas Lunches in Family Businesses

Family Business Harmony Through a Family Charter

No one wants to sit at Christmas lunch feeling the tension from a family fallout over the business.

You know the look. Silence at one end of the table. Forced smiles at the other. It’s not the season you want to remember.

Over the last 15 years, I think I’ve worked with most SMB business structures. They all come with their own challenges and opportunities, but family-owned and intergenerational businesses bring a completely different dimension.

In this context the family is a slightly broader context. It might include siblings, children's children, partners, parents, other relatives (makes for a busy Christmas lunch!)

When the business and family are intertwined, the stakes are higher, the emotions are deeper, and communication matters more than ever.

Why Every Family Business Should Consider a Family Charter

Running a family business has its own unique challenges and opportunities. On one hand, there’s shared history, trust, and commitment. On the other, there can be complexity, emotion, and long memories.

That’s where a Family Charter can make all the difference.

A Family Charter isn’t a legal document. It’s not part of your Shareholders’ Agreement or your Board Charter.

It sits outside the business. The aim is to bring the family together, especially when some members are involved in the business day-to-day and others aren’t.

You could be excused for thinking, ‘isn’t this just more paper and more complexity?’ In a way, yes, but the real aim is to keep communication open and clear within the family, so relationships are protected and the business can thrive.

Why Have a Family Charter?

This is an important question to address first. Why would we need something else?

Some family members may work in the business every day, while others are outside it but still beneficiaries of its success. A Family Charter helps remove tension and does away with rumour and mixed messages.

It’s not about the family running the business, or superimposing their view on directors or shareholders, but about creating harmony and clarity for everyone involved at a family level.

It gives the family one voice and one understanding, no matter their level of involvement.

It keeps relationships healthy, even when opinions differ, and offers valuable support to the CE/MD, whether they’re a family member or not.

It connects generations, aligns current and future expectations, and encourages the family to celebrate success together.

Above all, it protects the long-term health of the business by reducing tension, confusion, and surprises that might occur outside the workplace

Top 5 Benefits of a Family Charter

1. Clarity for longevity – Helps keep the business strong across generations.
2. Support for the CE/MD – Provides leadership with a trusted ‘family sounding board’.
3. Future-focused – Keeps family values front and centre, for years to come.
4. Recognition and celebration – Reminds the family to acknowledge milestones and successes.
5. Stronger relationships – Builds trust and unity between family members, no matter their role.

If your family business involves siblings, or you’re thinking about the next generation, a Family Charter or Family Council can help keep things smooth, respectful, and focused.

It’s not about controlling decisions. It’s about creating a safe space for open, honest conversations and keeping the business strong while protecting relationships.

If you’d like to see a video I did on this a few years ago click here

If you’d like to explore this further, I’d be happy to help. And don't forget you can heck out more resources here ~ PlanA FREE Resources

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