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Build a culture of continuous learning

ByAmanda Mathule

Learning is no longer a phase in our life, something we do before we start working.

The digital revolution, while creating new jobs and commercial opportunities, also demands new skills that in turn undergo constant change at increasing speed. Continuous learning is therefore a life-long theme we must embrace if we are to remain relevant in the world of work and business, and sustain ourselves into the future.

The theme of continuous learning applies equally to the business family. The family education programme is where the business family’s commitment to life-long learning finds expression. While there is a wealth of literature advising on how to structure and populate such a programme, the implementation requires time and resources beyond the means of business families located in our townships and rural areas.

So where and how do you start?

Develop a learning culture

As a leader of a business family I never ask of my family what I am not capable or prepared to do myself. In this instance look within and ask yourself whether your personal values include a life-long commitment to learning? Are you curious by nature? Do you explore new ideas and embrace input from those who may know more than you?

Your job as a family leader is to develop a culture of learning not only within yourself but also within your family. You must lead by example, share ideas and information of interest to the family and the members you are engaging. Books, blogs, news articles, podcasts, and YouTube videos to name but a few are all valid sources of learning.

Learning is not confined to the classroom, or college and university lecture room. Start at the kitchen table. Share with your family, whether your children, brothers and sisters, aunts, uncles and cousins. It is your responsibility as a family leader to create an environment that supports the sharing and free flow of ideas within the family. An environment that is safe, supportive and non-judgemental. 

Start the conversation

Once you have unlocked the creative juices of your family, shape the conversation and start the business family learning journey with these opening themes:

  • Share the family history, your origin story and how the family business came to be. Develop an understanding and appreciation of what makes the family business successful, the challenges it faces and the road map ahead.
  • Introduce the family, business and ownership systems to the family and the various roles family members may occupy within the three circles. The model provides a framework within which to discuss these overlapping roles, helping to explain and facilitate an understanding of the various sources of tension the family will experience as a business family.
  • Focus upon the business skills that are required of all business owners if they are to start and grow a business. Start a conversation and share your knowledge in such areas as finance, people management, sales & marketing, operations and technology – you know more than you give yourself credit for.
  • Open the conversation to personal development at an individual level. Recognise that not all family members will want to work in the family business. Explore the goals and ambitions of family members outside the confines of the family, identifying learning opportunities to help them on their journey.

Once you’ve taken the lead and started the conversation you’ll grow in confidence and develop your own unique family education programme that serves the needs of your family.

Just start!

Photo credit: Iñaki del Olmo on Unsplash

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