In past articles, I've discussed the reluctance of many agribusiness founders to implement a succession plan, and the damage this can cause to the business and family relationships.
If you're a consultant, lawyer, accountant, director or other decision-maker involved in trying to persuade a difficult owner to hand over the reins, you'll know just how challenging this can be. Here are helpful tips to approach the situation.
UNDERSTANDING THE FOUNDER
Your first step is to address the founder's emotions and insecurities about succession, as these are usually why the founder is resisting a succession plan.
One option is to help the founder develop a 'support group' of business founders who have carried out succession planning and understand what it entails. Conversations with these peers may help the founder understand that reluctance to let go is a common response. At the same time, peers who have
