ArtiFac Process
Using Artistry+Facilitation to solve "Whole of Family Business" Problems
Einstein observed that we cannot solve profound problems by simply using the same thought processes that got us into trouble in the first place.
Family business problems often refuse to respond to conventional solutions. Our "standard" Problem Solving service recognises this and goes far beyond the boundaries of the conventional advisory services provided by accountants, lawyers and the like. Which is not to say that these professional worthies don't have a role to play. We collaborate with them - they focus on the "backroom technicals" they love, while we work on "the whole of problem" and relationship issues they usually dislike getting involved in.
However, some families want more. Typically, these families see themselves as creative and spiritual and they want to connect, or re-connect with each other, at a more profoundly deep level.
Alternatively, they may feel that there is such a depth of angst in the family that they really need to go through a longer, deeper cleansing and communication process than they get by going through what is primarily a business-oriented, standard problem solving process.
The ArtiFac Process is a radically new approach to family business problem solving. It synthesises powerful modern business facilitation techniques with performing arts procedures designed to separate out the parties' emotions and clarify their thinking. Although not suited to every family, from our extensive research with overseas family business colleagues, we believe this is the most powerful tool yet developed to address serious family business issues.
Family Business - the 4th Dimension
Stated mathematically in the "Laws of Family Business Survival" (by Jon Kenfield in FBA's "Generations" Journal 2004):
When business and family problems converge they don't just add together - they multiply:
(Business Problems) + (Family Problems) = [(Business + Family) Problems] 2
In high stress business situations including: corporatisation and professionalisation; managing change; corporate restructures; sale of business; succession planning; strategic planning and business planning, we often see very different dynamics at work in family businesses. Emotions project themselves through egos, emotional traumas, communication breakdowns and other relationship problems to appear as sibling rivalry, inter-generational conflict and inter/intra-family conflict.
Then the heart, the bowel and even the little fluffy bits between the toes dominate what may otherwise be sharp business minds and turn what should be creative and collaborative problem solving exercises with one's kinfolk into battles royal.
The Dark Side of Family Business
When families are at war, individual members perceive themselves to be at risk on many levels - from purely financial to deeply emotional dangers. We have worked strenuously with some families to help them mediate their way through a comprehensive problem (or outright conflict) and yet, even after signing up to a legally binding agreement between family members, some individuals simply ignore the undertakings and obligations they have made - even though they wouldn't normally dream of dishonouring their commitments to other business associates, or to complete strangers. Why is this so?
In the Shadows of the Soul
Take succession, or leadership transition, as an example. The tension between head and heart comes to the fore. Every sane proprietor of 60+ years knows in his or her head that they have to start seriously letting go of the reins to hand over to the next generation, but many just can't bring themselves to get off the horse . In their hearts they feel: "If the business is my life, not being in the business will be my death".
As a result, the burdens of responsibility and accountability for performance are passed across - without the substance of ownership - a certain recipe for generating "the angst of unmet expectations".
The ArtiFac Response
ArtiFac is a 3rd Generation family business solution process. Developed in Australia from experience gained from hundreds of mediations it is a world first synthesis of solutioneering, facilitation, conflict management, negotiation and performing arts techniques.
ArtiFac is designed to:
- Improve prospects for achieving the amicable resolution of most types of family business problem and,
- Increase the likelihood that any agreement struck and commitments made will be adhered to in the long term.
ArtiFac Process Stages
The process has two main stages: Artist(ry) and Facilitation . While it can be applied to most types of family business problem, it is described here with the aid of a practical example: developing a Family Constitution (or) Family Agreement ).
Stage 1 - Preparation / Factfinding. The process begins with a series of interviews with individual family members or, more usually, with their spouses and partners. These meetings are designed to achieve two things: (a) ensure that the chemistry is right between family members and ArtiFac team members and, (b) to gather comprehensive background information about the individuals, the family and the business so the ArtiFac team can develop a specific program for the particular family.
Stage 2 - Arti(stry) (2½ days). A series of engaging, challenging and fundamentally safe performance activities designed to help individuals peel back and then move through their personal emotional (family-related) barriers. With the blinkers and filters removed, participants are better able too make realistic situation analyses and action plans for themselves, their family and the family business.
As participants progress through the program, they develop an increasing sense of congruence with the rest of the family group - sometimes for the first time in a very long time! They are eventually moved to a real sense of shared purpose, buoyed by optimism and gratitude for the positives in their lives that have been (re)discovered through the process.
The Arti part of the process has two objectives. Internally, it seeks to change each individual's fundamental perspective of their place in life, in the family and in the business. For some it's a glimpse, for others an epiphany, for most it's a unique opportunity to re-establish personal balance and get the big picture back in focus. Externally, it prepares the family to participate openly, honestly and creatively in Stage 3 of this process: Facilitation - Developing a Family Constitution .
Stage 3 - Facilitation (1-2 days). Using a proven process plan and responses gathered from pre-session questionnaires and/or interviews, the Facilitator (who participates in the Arti sessions to deepen his understanding of, and mutually trusting connection with, the family) helps the family develop a comprehensive, written Constitution.
Developing a Family Constitution is both an exercise in disciplined and creative visioning for the future and a demonstration of the family's ability and commitment to work together to achieve its shared future vision. The personal and group preparation effected through the preceding Arti session is specifically designed to assist and enrich this experience.
By the end of the second day the Family should have a fairly complete draft of most, if not all, of their new Family Constitution. For typical contents, see Family Constitutions .
Benefits of the ArtiFac Process
ArtiFac is designed for use by special families and special businesses. It doesn't suit all tastes as it takes individuals, families and business colleagues far deeper into their collective and individual psyches and relationships than any normal team building, mediation or communication process can do.
If a group wants to connect at a profound level to deal with specific issues, challenges, problems or conflicts, or if a group wants to lay the foundations and acquire the skills and techniques required for continuing connection at a profound level, ArtiFac is the standout choice.