CEO: "...how can we get Son to have a more organized desk...have a more professional looking haircut...not procrastinating to the last minute with his projects...get his new printer up and running?"
Son responds, "I don't really have a father. With him everything is business...even at dinner."
I show father research that shows 90% of sons working for dad do not feel validated. No respect for a son's talents and the biggest barrier is the attitude that "I know best..."
Finally, Father has an Ah! Ha! "I think the problem is that I am still parenting my son, not being the business mentor or manager he needs".
Why are some leaders acting as parents? It is a familiar model of leadership we learn from our parents.
Ask: what is it like working for me?
