Transcript Successful Family Meetings

Successful Family
Meetings
Family, Farming and
Communication – Part 2
Margaret A. Viebrock
WSU Extension
How Many Hats Do You Wear?
Family Hat
 Business Hat
 Manager Hat
 “Good Guy” Hat
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Why Have a Meeting?
Share your vision and plan
 Talk about your business
 Invite your children to help plan
 Set a protocol for honest
communication
Issue: what if someone doesn’t want to
come to your meeting?
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What Should You Do First?
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Distribute a written agenda
Extend the invitation
Pick a neutral site
Do you invite the spouses?
Pay for travel and child care
Issue: You know your children do not get along
very well – what do you need to consider?
Set the Ground Rules
 Courtesy – disagreeing is ok
 Stick to the agenda
 Say what you mean and
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mean what you say
Let each person talk
Issue: What if someone refuses to say what
they feel?
What If … ?
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There are disagreements?
Someone walks out?
The division appears unfair to someone?
Someone feels left out?
The meeting falls apart?
Issue: How will you put out the fires?
What About Decisions?
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Use the “seek opinion” model
Listen
State your short & long range goals
Listen
Ponder responses from everyone
Seek clarification
Should you ask for a vote?
The Wrap Up …
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Establish some deadlines
Give out some assignments
Record the minutes
Distribute the minutes
Plan a follow-up
Include some fun!
What is Your
Desired Outcome?