Imagine standing at the crossroads of an African savannah, each path before you leading to a future shaped by your choices. On one side lies the familiar route—joining the family business, continuing the legacy, and becoming part of something larger than yourself. On the other side is the untamed terrain of the unknown, where you carve your own path, independent of family ties.
This is the choice many heirs of African family businesses face. It’s a decision that’s as much about personal identity and ambition as it is about family duty and legacy. Choosing whether to join the family business is not just about a career—it’s about charting a life course while navigating the complex web of familial expectations, cultural values, and personal aspirations.
Let’s explore how to make this decision with clarity and confidence, rooted in both tradition and the realities of the modern world.
The African Context: Joining the Family Legacy
In Africa, family businesses often carry more than economic significance—they are repositories of cultural heritage, communal pride, and familial honor. Joining the family business can feel like stepping into the shoes of an ancestor, continuing the work they began and safeguarding the family’s legacy.
But as much as it’s an opportunity, it’s also a responsibility, one that may come with expectations that don’t always align with personal ambitions. The question becomes: How do I honor my family while staying true to myself?
Key Factors to Consider
1. Passion and Alignment with the Business Mission:Do you feel a genuine connection to the family business’s mission and values? Whether it’s farming, retail, manufacturing, or fintech, a deep alignment with the business’s purpose is essential for long-term fulfillment.
Practical Tip: Reflect on your values and aspirations. Create a list of the causes or industries you’re passionate about and see how they align with the family business.
2. Skills and Contribution:What value can you bring to the business? Joining the family enterprise is not just about filling a seat—it’s about contributing meaningfully.
Practical Tip: Conduct a skills audit. Identify areas where you excel and areas where you may need development. Consider gaining external experience or education to build credibility before joining.
3. Independence vs. Collaboration:Some individuals thrive in collaborative, familial environments, while others prefer autonomy. Assess your work style and how it fits within the family business’s structure.
Practical Tip: Shadow a family member already in the business for a few months. This hands-on experience can help you understand whether the environment suits your personality.
4. Family Dynamics and Potential Conflicts:Family businesses are fertile grounds for both cooperation and conflict. Unresolved tensions can spill into the workplace, making it essential to navigate relationships with care.
Practical Tip: Develop emotional intelligence skills and conflict resolution strategies. Open communication with family members about boundaries and expectations is crucial.
5. Outside Experience:Before joining, consider working outside the family business to gain a broader perspective and enhance your skill set. External experience builds confidence and brings fresh insights into the family enterprise.
Practical Tip: Work in an industry related to the family business to gain relevant expertise while maintaining alignment with the family’s mission.
6. Long-Term Goals and Succession Planning:Where do you see yourself in 10 or 20 years? Does the family business offer a path to achieve your aspirations, or will it limit your potential?
Practical Tip: Engage in succession planning discussions. Understand the opportunities for growth within the business and how they align with your ambitions.
Tools for Making a Thoughtful Decision
1. Create Decision Scenarios:Draw a decision tree. Map out possible outcomes for both joining and not joining the family business. Visualize what success and challenges might look like in each scenario.
2. Seek Mentorship:Talk to family members, external advisors, or mentors who can provide unbiased perspectives. Choose people who understand both your personal goals and the family’s expectations.
3. Write a “Life Vision” Statement:Document your career and life goals. Use this as a compass to evaluate whether the family business aligns with your aspirations.
4. Trial Run:Propose a temporary role in the family business. A defined period of 6-12 months can help you experience the dynamics and decide if it’s a long-term fit.
5. Professional Guidance:Consider working with a family business advisor or career coach who specializes in family enterprises. They can help you navigate emotional and strategic complexities.
The African Perspective: A Balancing Act
In many African families, the decision to join the family business isn’t just about individual ambition—it’s about collective well-being. The weight of preserving ancestral legacies and contributing to the community often influences the choice.
But as the proverb goes, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” It’s important to remember that “together” doesn’t mean losing oneself. A successful family business journey starts with honoring your personal truth while contributing to the family’s shared vision.
An African Story of Choice and Balance
Take the story of Ama, the daughter of a Ghanaian cocoa plantation owner. After earning her degree in agricultural science, Ama felt torn between joining her father’s business and pursuing her passion for sustainable farming.
To resolve the dilemma, Ama worked with a family business advisor to outline her goals and map out potential scenarios. She decided to work for a global agritech firm for three years, gaining experience and building her network. When she eventually joined the family business, she introduced modern practices that increased productivity and sustainability.
Ama’s journey highlights the power of thoughtful decision-making and how balancing personal growth with family responsibilities can lead to transformative outcomes.
To Join or Not to Join
The choice to join a family business is deeply personal, shaped by individual aspirations, family dynamics, and cultural values. It’s not about making the “right” choice—it’s about making an informed one that aligns with your goals and your family’s legacy.
In Africa, where family businesses are often the backbone of communities, this decision carries even greater significance. By approaching it with introspection, strategy, and support, you can honor your family while building a path that’s uniquely yours.
The journey, like any African proverb, is layered with wisdom and possibility. Whether you step into the family business now, later, or not at all, let your decision reflect the best of who you are and the legacy you want to leave behind.
Tsitsi Mutendi is a renowned expert in family governance, with a strong focus on African family firms. As the co-founder of African Family Firms Expert, she has dedicated her career to advising and consulting family businesses and family offices. Tsitsi is a skilled facilitator, speaker, and author, known for her insightful contributions to the field. In 2023-24, she serves as the President of the Professional Speakers Association of Southern Africa. Tsitsi is also the co-founder of Mutendi Montessori, a primary and secondary educational institution, and the founder of DanTs Smart, a technology and software development firm. With over 23 years as an entrepreneur. Tsitsi is a renowned multi-potentialite entrepreneur whose expertise has earned her recognition in leading publications such as Forbes Africa and Arise Africa, and she has been invited to speak on prestigious global stages, including the Athena40 panel. Her work can be found on www.tsitsimutendi.com www.nhakalegacy.com www.africanfamilyfirms.org and her trending podcast for families of wealthy and their advisors https://anchor.fm/enterprisingfamilies. You can Also get her book RAISING THE BAOBAB https://amzn.to/42cpFdL
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