Keep the Family Baggage Out of the Family Business: Avoiding the Seven Deadly Sins That Destroy Family Businesses

by Quentin J. Fleming

Book Overview

Family businesses epitomize the best of the American Dream: you work hard, you're your own boss, you leave a lasting legacy to your children--or do you? Statistics show that only 30% of family businesses survive to the second generation, and a paltry 10% survive to the third generation. Family businesses are in trouble, and their survival is crucial to us all. Their success ensures our country's success--and their failure can drastically affect our...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0684856042
• ISBN13: 9780684856049
• Release Date: February 2000
• Publisher: Touchstone Books
• Length: 336 Pages
• Weight: 0.90 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.6" x 8.4"

Customer Reviews

Anyone with a Family Business must read this!!!

I spent ten successful years working for my fathers very successful business. He told me I would take over the business "someday", he had a heart attack and retired but could not give up control. This is VERY common as I learned from this book. I spent the last 3-4 years waiting for him to deal with the future of his business. This book and some others I read finally convinced me to move on with my life. It was a difficult decision, but ultimately freed me to begin my life on my terms. If any owners of a family business are reading this, please read this book and talk with your heirs. Eventually you will die and someone will have to keep your business alive, if they have the desire and interest it may as well be one of your children... This was the best of the family business books I read (I made it through 6). Good luck!!!

Must read for familys who work together

This book, in a very neutral way, captures where families can go wrong, in the family business. Must read for all generations, both in and out of the business. Even if things are going great right now, read this book!

Family Baggage/Deadly Business Sins

I have been the owner of a family business for over twenty five years and found Mr. Flemings book to be very accurate and insightful. My wife and I both read his book and agreed that we had committed all of the "deadly sins" to some degree over the years. The book was enjoyable to read, humorously presented and it generated a great deal of discussion among our family and friends. Highly recommended!

Buy it as a gift for all family members.

This is the book that I wish I had written! It covers the REAL relationship issues of family business in the easiest-to-read style of any family business book I've seen (and I've read lots). Be warned. This author has the audacity to call it like it is -- about owners, family, and even about lawyers and other consultants. A lot of the book has a more negative focus, looking at the problems caused by family baggage. Use this part to open serious discussions. But, be sure to stick with it until Part V. Pages 41-43 are a must. In paperback, this is bargain priced. We're using it as prizes for our Family Business 2000 Conference in May.